In an electrifying 24th match of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, Karachi Kings clinched a stunning four-wicket win over arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars, thanks to a match-winning knock by Muhammad Irfan Khan at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The rain-affected contest was reduced to 15 overs per side, with Kings chasing a revised target of 168 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.
Put into bat first, Lahore Qalandars posted 160/8 in 15 overs, powered by a blistering 65 off 29 balls from Mohammad Naeem and a composed 51 off 33 from Fakhar Zaman. The duo stitched together a rapid 90-run opening stand before rain interrupted play for over an hour. Upon resumption, Qalandars lost momentum as Abbas Afridi dismantled the middle order with figures of 4/27, while Aamer Jamal and Mir Hamza chipped in with a wicket each.
In response, Karachi Kings chased down the 168-run target in 14.3 overs, finishing at 171/6, thanks to Muhammad Irfan Khan’s explosive unbeaten 48 off 21 deliveries, which included 2 fours and 5 sixes. Irfan, who entered during a pressure situation, completely turned the tide with a quickfire 45-run stand with Mohammad Nabi (15 off 8). Earlier, openers David Warner (24 off 13) and Tim Seifert (24 off 10) gave the Kings a blazing start with a 40-run partnership in just 3 overs.
Despite quick wickets by Haris Rauf (2/14) and Daryl Mitchell (2/30), Kings held their nerve. Saad Baig also made a crucial contribution with 25 off 15 balls. Lahore Qalandars bowlers failed to contain the big hitters in the death overs, leading to a remarkable comeback win for Karachi.
This high-scoring thriller not only entertained fans but also tightened the points table race as the PSL 10 heads into its crucial final phase.
