Karachi Kings emerge victorious in high-octane Lahore Qalandars clash

Karachi Kings have finally got their combination right in the Pakistan Super League season eight (PSL8) as they defeated their arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars in match eight.

Karachi, who hadn’t had the best of outings in the tournament losing three out of three matches, made two changes in their XI to clinch the game by 21 runs at the National Bank Cricket Arena.

With this victory, they jumped to the second spot at the table, which is led by Multan Sultans.

In reply to a 186-run target, the defending champions were bowled out for 118 in 17.3 overs. Youngster Mirza Tahir Baig was their top scorer with 45. The right-hander struck three boundaries and two maximums.

Kamran Ghulam scored run a ball 22 in the game, which was dominated by Karachi Kings. They outclassed the visitors in all departments of the game.

Akif Javed, who came into the side as Mir Hamza’s replacement, made a sudden impact by bagging four wickets for 28 in 3.3 overs.

Aamer Yamin and Ben Cuttings claimed two wickets each for the winning side.

Earlier, thanks to stunning batting from Mathew Wade and James Vince, Karachi managed to post 185/5 after losing the toss in front of the near-capacity crowd.

The duo provided a blistering start, as they posted a 70-run stand for the first wicket. Vince drove Shaheen Afridi straight down the ground for four to get off the mark.

Wade joined the party in the next over, when he dispatched Zaman Khan towards the boundary. In the fifth over, both smashed David Wiese for a maximum each.

Lahore had their first success when Mathew Wade was run out by Kamran Ghulam in the eighth over of the innings.

Vince and Haider Ali hit a six each before Liam Dawson break their stand. At that stage, Karachi were 102/2.

Eventually, Vince, who was looking dangerous, was held back in his tracks by Zaman. He scored 45 with the help of three boundaries and two maximums.

Imad Wasim scored an unbeaten 35 off 19, hitting two fours and the same number of maximums, finishing the innings in style for the Kings.

For Qalandars, Shaheen Afridi, Zaman Khan, Dawsan and Haris Rauf bagged a wicket each for the losing side.