Karachi Kings secured a narrow four-wicket win over Lahore Qalandars in a tense, low-scoring Pakistan Super League match at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, with Bangladesh pair Parvez Hossain Emon and Mustafizur Rahman delivering contrasting performances for Lahore.
Defending champions Lahore were held to 128 for nine after choosing to bat first, and despite a determined effort from their bowlers, Karachi successfully chased the target with three balls remaining.
Batting at number four, Emon once again struggled to build momentum, managing just 12 off as many deliveries. The left-hander looked settled during his short stay, adding 28 runs for the third wicket with Abdullah Shafique, but failed to capitalise on the start. He was trapped lbw by Salman Agha as Lahore slipped from a stable position to 62 for four in 8.2 overs. On a difficult surface where partnerships were rare, Emon’s inability to accelerate cost Lahore valuable momentum in the middle overs. He had scored 14 off 13 balls in his previous outing.
In contrast, Mustafizur delivered another impressive performance with the ball.
The left-arm pacer produced a disciplined four-over spell, conceding just 20 runs while taking one wicket. Brought on in the eighth over, Mustafizur made an immediate impact, giving away only one run and dismissing Saad Baig with an edge. He maintained tight control throughout his spell, conceding just five runs each in his second and third overs to keep Karachi’s chase under pressure.
At one stage, Karachi were struggling at 88 for five in the 15th over, with Muhammad Waseem’s 38 off 37 balls standing as their top score, as Mustafizur and the rest of the bowling unit applied consistent pressure.
However, the game took a dramatic turn in the final over following a controversial moment.
About the Author
