Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars: In a dominant display of power-hitting and clinical bowling, Lahore Qalandars thrashed Karachi Kings by 65 runs in the 6th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 on Tuesday, April 15. Played at a packed stadium, the encounter saw Lahore Qalandars outclass their rivals in all departments to register their first big win of the tournament.
Fakhar Zaman and Daryl Mitchell Shine Bright
After winning the toss, Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Afridi opted to bat first — a decision that proved decisive. Veteran opener Fakhar Zaman was back to his explosive best, smashing 76 off 47 balls, including 6 boundaries and 5 sixes. He built a crucial partnership with New Zealand star Daryl Mitchell, who blazed his way to 75 off just 41 deliveries, striking 9 fours and 2 maximums at a strike rate of 182.93.
Although Lahore lost early wickets, including Mohammad Naeem (7) and Abdullah Shafique (6) cheaply to Hasan Ali, the Zaman-Mitchell duo added serious firepower to the innings. A quick cameo from Sam Billings (19 off 10) and Sikandar Raza (10* off 5) helped Lahore Qalandars post a formidable total of 201/6 in 20 overs.
Hasan Ali’s Heroics Go in Vain
For Karachi Kings, Hasan Ali was the standout bowler, picking up 4 wickets for just 28 runs in his full quota. However, the rest of the bowling lineup faltered badly, conceding boundaries freely. Abbas Afridi, despite a wicket, leaked 47 runs, while spinners Fawad Ali and Arafat Minhas were taken to the cleaners, going over 10 runs per over.
Karachi Kings Collapse Under Pressure
Chasing a steep target of 202, Karachi Kings suffered an immediate collapse, losing both openers David Warner and James Vince for ducks in the very first over to a fiery spell from Shaheen Afridi. Warner, who was captaining the side, departed in the second ball, caught behind for a golden duck.
Although Khushdil Shah (39 off 27) and Hasan Ali (27 off 25) tried to offer some resistance in the middle order, the writing was on the wall early. The Qalandars’ bowlers were relentless, with Shaheen Afridi picking up 3 wickets, while Rishad Hossain (3/26) and Sikandar Raza (2/13) ensured that Karachi never got back into the game.
Karachi Kings were bowled out for 136 in 19.1 overs, falling 65 runs short.
Bowling Brilliance from Qalandars
- Shaheen Afridi led the attack from the front with 3/34.
- Rishad Hossain struck in the middle overs with his leg-spin, claiming 3/26.
- Sikandar Raza chipped in with 2 late wickets, showing his all-round value.
- Haris Rauf and Asif Afridi picked up one wicket each.
The Qalandars’ bowlers not only picked up wickets but kept the pressure on with a tight line and length, never allowing the Karachi batters to settle. The early double strike from Shaheen Afridi in the very first over, dismissing both openers for zero, shattered Karachi’s momentum and set the tone for the rest of the innings.
Brief Scorecard:
Lahore Qalandars: 201/6 (20 overs)
Fakhar Zaman 76 (47), Daryl Mitchell 75 (41)
Hasan Ali 4/28
Karachi Kings: 136 all out (19.1 overs)
Khushdil Shah 39 (27), Hasan Ali 27 (25)
Shaheen Afridi 3/34, Rishad Hossain 3/26
Result: Lahore Qalandars won by 65 runs
Player of the Match: Fakhar Zaman
