LAHORE — May 5, 2025: In a rain-shortened, high-stakes clash at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday night, Karachi Kings pulled off a stunning four-wicket victory over Lahore Qalandars in a 15-over-a-side Pakistan Super League (PSL) thriller, thanks to a sensational late onslaught by Irfan Khan.
Chasing a revised target of 168 in 15 overs, Karachi sealed the win in 14.3 overs, with Irfan smashing a blistering 48 off just 21 balls*, including five sixes, to snatch the game away from the hosts with three balls remaining.
Rain Drama and Explosive Batting Light Up Gaddafi
Lahore Qalandars, put in to bat first, posted a competitive 160-8 after rain disrupted their innings for over 36 minutes. Mohammad Naeem and Fakhar Zaman got the hosts off to a fiery start, racing to 90 runs before rain halted play late in the 8th over.
Naeem hammered 65 off 27 (6 fours, 5 sixes), while Fakhar contributed 51 off 33 (4 fours, 3 sixes). Despite a brief momentum post-rain through Abdullah Shafique (18) and a quick cameo by Asif Afridi (6*), Karachi’s bowlers came back strong — Abbas Afridi starring with figures of 4-27, dismantling Lahore’s middle and lower order.
Karachi’s Chase: Irfan Sparks Late Fireworks
Karachi Kings’ run chase began aggressively, with David Warner (24 off 13) and Tim Seifert (24 off 10) taking on the Qalandars’ bowlers early. But the momentum dipped after Warner was bowled by Haris Rauf and Seifert fell to Asif Afridi, leaving the Kings at 58-2 after the Powerplay.
Further setbacks followed as James Vince (13) and Saad Baig (25 off 15) were dismissed, and when Khushdil Shah departed for 9, the Kings still required 52 runs off 22 balls with just five wickets remaining.
That’s when Irfan Khan turned the game on its head.
The Irfan Show
Facing pace ace Shaheen Shah Afridi, Irfan launched into a brutal assault — slamming three towering sixes in the 13th over. He then took on Haris Rauf, sending another over square leg, while Mohammad Nabi (15) chipped in with a six and four in the penultimate over.
With 7 needed off the final over, Daryl Mitchell removed Nabi on the first delivery — but Irfan finished things in style, launching a full toss over long-off to complete an unforgettable chase.
Qalandars’ Bowling Falters Despite Strong Start
Despite a strong total, Lahore’s bowling attack couldn’t contain Karachi’s middle order when it mattered most. Haris Rauf (2-40) and Daryl Mitchell (2-9) picked up key wickets, but Shaheen (0-41) and others struggled under pressure from Irfan’s onslaught.
Match Summary
Lahore Qalandars 160-8 (15 overs)
- Naeem 65 (27), Fakhar 51 (33)
- Abbas Afridi 4-27, Aamer Jamal 1-33
Karachi Kings 168-6 (14.3 overs)
- Irfan Khan 48* (21), Seifert 24 (10), Warner 24 (13)
- Haris Rauf 2-40, Mitchell 2-9
Result: Karachi Kings won by 4 wickets
Player of the Match: Irfan Khan
Points Table Update (After Match)
| Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gladiators | 8 | 5 | 2 | 11 | +0.906 |
| United | 8 | 5 | 3 | 10 | +0.650 |
| Kings | 8 | 5 | 3 | 10 | +0.479 |
| Qalandars | 9 | 4 | 4 | 9 | +0.912 |
| Zalmi | 7 | 3 | 4 | 6 | -0.507 |
| Sultans | 8 | 1 | 7 | 2 | -2.597 |
