Karachi Kings Seal Third Straight Win After Warner–Azam Masterclass

KARACHI: Skipper David Warner and wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan produced explosive half-centuries to guide Karachi Kings to a thrilling five-wicket win over RawalPindiz in the 10th fixture of HBL PSL 11 at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Chasing a challenging 198, the former champions completed the task with four balls remaining, thanks largely to a decisive 76-run stand between Warner and Azam that shifted the momentum in their favour.

Karachi’s innings began on a mixed note as they lost opener Muhammad Waseem early in the third over with 27 runs on the board. After the early blow, Salman Ali Agha partnered Warner to stabilise the chase, adding 43 runs for the second wicket before Agha departed in the ninth over after scoring 29.

The momentum continued when Azam was promoted up the order ahead of Moeen Ali—a move that proved crucial. Azam, alongside Warner, took control of the innings with aggressive stroke play, putting the opposition bowlers under pressure.

Warner’s fluent knock came to an end in the 16th over when Daryl Mitchell dismissed him, but Azam kept the charge going, pushing Karachi close to the target. He was eventually removed by Mohammad Amir in the second-last over after a blistering 74 off just 34 balls, laced with six fours and six maximums. Warner contributed a solid 50 from 36 deliveries, including six boundaries and a six.

Mitchell struck again at the start of the final over, removing Moeen Ali cheaply to create late drama. However, Abbas Afridi sealed the victory in style with a towering six on the very next ball, ensuring Karachi’s third consecutive win in the tournament.

For RawalPindiz, Mitchell was the standout performer with the ball, picking up three wickets, while Naseem Shah and Amir chipped in with one each.

Earlier, RawalPindiz posted an imposing 197/6 after being put into bat, largely powered by a remarkable 120-run partnership between Mitchell and Sam Billings for the fourth wicket.

Their innings had a shaky start as Hasan Ali removed captain Mohammad Rizwan early, while Khushdil Shah struck twice in quick succession to leave them struggling at 55/3.

Mitchell and Billings then rebuilt the innings brilliantly, both registering half-centuries and dominating the Karachi bowlers. Billings eventually fell in the 18th over, while Mitchell was dismissed soon after in the 19th.

Mitchell top-scored with 65 off 41 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes, while Billings made a brisk 58 off 35 deliveries. Abdullah Fazal added late impetus with an unbeaten 17 off just eight balls.

Among Karachi’s bowlers, Hasan Ali stood out with figures of 3/24, while Khushdil claimed two wickets and Mir Hamza picked up one.