Warner and Vince Brilliance Helps Karachi To Reach Playoffs
RAWALPINDI: Babar Azam’s valiant 94-run innings wasn’t enough as Karachi Kings sealed a 23-run win over Peshawar Zalmi to confirm their place in the HBL PSL 10 playoffs, joining defending champions Islamabad United.
Chasing a mammoth target of 238, Zalmi fell short despite a strong effort, ending their innings at 214/5 in 20 overs.
The new opening duo of Mohammad Haris (9) and Saim Ayub gave Zalmi a brief burst of momentum with a 30-run stand before Haris departed in the third over. Ayub then formed a crucial 77-run partnership with captain Babar Azam before being dismissed by Abbas Afridi for 47 off 31 balls, which included five boundaries and two sixes.
Babar continued to wage a lone battle, building brief stands with Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Max Bryant. His valiant knock, however, ended in heartbreak as he was run out for 94 off 49 balls, decorated with 10 fours and four sixes — falling just short of a well-deserved century. At the time of his dismissal, Zalmi needed 55 runs from 13 balls with just five wickets in hand.
Lower-order batters Maaz Sadaqat (19) and Hussain Talat (12*) could only add 30 runs in the final phase. Among the bowlers, Abbas Afridi stood out for Karachi Kings, picking up 2/48, while Hasan Ali and Mir Hamza claimed a wicket each.
Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Karachi Kings posted a daunting total of 237/4, powered by a commanding second-wicket stand between David Warner and James Vince.
Their innings began on a shaky note as debutant Ben McDermott was bowled by Luke Wood on the very first delivery. However, Vince and Warner soon turned the tide with a spectacular 162-run partnership. Vince struck 72 off 42 balls with 11 fours and a six before falling to Ali Raza in the 15th over.
Muhammad Irfan Khan was dismissed cheaply in the following over, while Arif Yaqoob removed Warner for 86 (50 balls, 11 fours, 2 sixes) in the 17th over. Despite the quick blows, Karachi finished strong thanks to Khushdil Shah and Mohammad Nabi, who stitched an unbeaten 70-run stand. Khushdil played a fiery knock of 43* from just 15 balls, while Nabi contributed 26* off 10 deliveries.
Luke Wood was the most economical and effective bowler for Zalmi, finishing with 2/19 in his four overs. Arif Yaqoob and Ali Raza took one wicket each.
It was a complete performance from Karachi Kings as they outplayed Zalmi in all departments to march into the playoffs.
