Karachi: Number one T20I batsman Babar Azam and explosive Sharjeel Khan’s ruthless unbeaten 151* run partnership powered Karachi Kings to convincing 10-wickets win over Lahore Qalandars at National Stadium.
In the 26th fixture of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), The Qalandars looked completely hopeless as Babar and Sharjeel thrashed them from the start of the 151 run chase.
Absolute domination from Karachi in front of an adoring home crowd. Their openers were invincible tonight! #KKvLQ #HBLPSLV pic.twitter.com/79XlK7Df8X
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 12, 2020
Sharjeel scored impressive 59-balls 74 and smashed his first fifty of the ongoing PSL 5. He hit five massive sixes and as many fours. His partner, Babar was equally unstoppable at the other end, scoring 67 in 45 balls, smashing eight fours and a six. Babar is now the highest run-getter of the ongoing edition. Their 151 runs partnership is the highest opening stand of PSL 5 and fourth overall in the history of PSL.
WHATTAY STAND!
50s for both Karachi openers! #KKvLQ #HBLPSLV pic.twitter.com/y4WfTNMlQi
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 12, 2020
Kings opted to bowl first after winning the toss. Qalandars started impressively with captain Sohail Akhtar and Fakhar Zaman providing them a perfect platform, however, Umaid Asif broke the vital partnership at the last ball of the sixth over.
Zaman managed to score 17 off 13 balls. Qalandars crumpled after that, losing Chris Lynn, Ben Dunk and Sohail in quick successions.
Sohail made 68 off 49 balls before being dismissed at 14.1 overs off a leg-before-wicket delivery by emerging Arshad Iqbal.
Hafeez in the latter part of the innings majorly contributed, scoring 22-balls 35 and helped his side 150-5 in 20 overs. Umaid and Arshad claimed two whereas Chris Jordan claimed the wicket of Samit Patel. Sharjeel was awarded the player of the match for his brilliant inning.
A cagey affair in Karachi so far on a slightly spicy wicket.
Do @lahoreqalandars have enough on the board? #KKvLQ #HBLPSLV pic.twitter.com/66Zan17Qmu
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 12, 2020
Kings are now at the second spot at the points table with four and nine points. Qalandars are moved back to the fourth spot with one match remaining against Multan Sultans which will be a must-win encounter for Qalandars.
