PSL Match Highlights | Pakistan Super League, 2025 (Eliminator) – 22 May: Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars | Abdullah Shafique’s Fiery 65 Guides Lahore Qalandars to Eliminator Victory Over Karachi Kings

KK vs LQ (Eliminator) – Highlights

Lahore Qalandars kept their Pakistan Super League 2025 campaign alive with a commanding six-wicket win over Karachi Kings in the Eliminator at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The high-scoring clash witnessed standout performances, most notably a game-defining 65 off just 35 balls by Abdullah Shafique, who was deservedly named Player of the Match.

Batting first after losing the toss, Karachi Kings posted a competitive 190/8 in their 20 overs, largely thanks to a composed and commanding knock from skipper David Warner. Warner struck 75 off 52 deliveries, anchoring the innings with a flurry of boundaries—eight fours and three sixes—with a strike rate of 144.23. He found support from Khushdil Shah, who added valuable late-innings impetus with a 14-ball 27*, smashing 3 fours and 2 sixes.

The Kings had a brisk start with Tim Seifert contributing a fiery 16 off just 8 balls. However, the momentum was interrupted by regular breakthroughs. Haris Rauf was the pick of the Qalandars’ bowlers, claiming 3/35, while skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi provided crucial scalps at both ends of the innings, finishing with 2/47. The Kings were unable to finish as strongly as they would have liked, losing five wickets in the last six overs.

Chasing 191 for victory, Lahore Qalandars got off to a flying start with Fakhar Zaman leading the charge. He smashed 47 off 28 balls, including 5 boundaries and 3 sixes, setting a strong platform for the chase. His dismissal at 75/2 brought in Abdullah Shafique, who shifted gears immediately and took control of the game.

Shafique played a blistering knock, striking at 185.71 with 3 fours and 5 sixes. His aggressive intent, coupled with calculated stroke play, ensured the required run rate was always under control. He stitched together a vital 83-run partnership with Kusal Perera (30 off 24), steering Lahore toward a comfortable position.

Even after Shafique fell at 158/3 in the 16th over, Bhanuka Rajapaksa (23* off 12) ensured there were no late hiccups, finishing the game with a flurry of strokes. Asif Ali accompanied him to see Lahore home with 8 balls to spare, finishing at 191/4 in 18.4 overs.

Karachi’s bowlers struggled to contain the Qalandars’ firepower. Hasan Ali was the only bowler to make a significant impact, picking up 2/37.

However, expensive spells from Abbas Afridi (0/49) and Mohammad Nabi (0/37) allowed Lahore to dominate throughout the chase.

With this emphatic win, Lahore Qalandars advance to Qualifier 2, where they will face Islamabad United for a place in the final. The defending champions will be buoyed by their strong batting form and experienced bowling attack, while Karachi Kings bow out of the tournament after a valiant campaign.

Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars Scoreboard

Karachi Kings – 190/8 (20.0)

Lahore Qalandars  – 191/4 (18.4)

Result –  Lahore Qalandars won by 6 wickets

Player of the match – Abdullah Shafique

Abdullah Shafique

KK vs LQ Playing XIs

Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.