LAHORE: On a warm Thursday evening at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore Qalandars overcame fatigue and fielding lapses with clinical bowling and powerful batting to send Karachi Kings out of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 with a six-wicket win in the Eliminator.
Despite struggling with intensity in the field—dropping multiple catches and conceding several boundaries—Lahore’s bowlers and top-order batters delivered where it mattered, chasing down a target of 191 with eight balls remaining.
The victory sets up a rematch against Islamabad United in the second Eliminator on Friday.
Karachi, having won the toss and opted to bat first, posted 190 for eight in their 20 overs. The star for Kings was David Warner, who hammered 75 off 52 balls, featuring eight boundaries and three sixes.
However, Warner’s innings was aided by Lahore’s poor fielding, as he was dropped twice—on 47 and 62—which allowed him to inflict further damage.
Haris Rauf was Lahore’s standout performer with the ball, claiming three wickets for 35 runs, despite being let down by his teammates in the field.
Warner’s aggressive start saw him dispatch Shaheen Shah Afridi and Zaman Khan for sixes, helping Karachi reach 70-1 during the powerplay, even after losing Tim Seifert early.
Here’s a concise match summary of the HBL PSL 2025 Eliminator between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings:
🏏 PSL 2025 Eliminator: Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings
📍 Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
📅 Thursday Night
Lahore Qalandars sealed a six-wicket victory over Karachi Kings, knocking them out of the tournament and setting up a second Eliminator clash against Islamabad United.
🔥 Key Highlights
Karachi Kings Innings – 190/8 (20 overs)
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David Warner led the charge with a blistering 75 off 52 balls (8 fours, 3 sixes), despite being dropped twice.
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Haris Rauf starred with the ball: 3/35, including wickets in the death overs.
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Sloppy fielding let Qalandars down temporarily — Warner and Khushdil were dropped multiple times.
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Shaheen Afridi (2/47) and Shakib Al Hasan (1/4 in 1 over) were other key contributors with the ball.
Lahore Qalandars Chase – 191/4 in 18.4 overs
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Abdullah Shafique was sensational: 65 off 35 balls (3 fours, 5 sixes), earning Player of the Match honors.
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Fakhar Zaman set the tone early with a fiery 47 off 28.
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Kusal Perera (30) and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (23*) finished things off efficiently.
⚖️ Turning Points
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Warner’s missed chances cost Kings dearly.
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Abdullah and Perera’s 83-run stand off just 43 balls sealed the game.
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Qalandars overcame fielding mishaps with dominant batting.
🏆 Result: Lahore Qalandars won by 6 wickets
They now advance to face Islamabad United in the next Eliminator.
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