05 May, 2025 | 08:19 AM

In a pulsating finish under the lights at the Gaddafi Stadium, Karachi Kings pulled off a dramatic final-over win against arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars in a rain-shortened contest of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025. Irfan Khan played a heroic unbeaten knock of 48 off just 18 balls to seal a four-wicket win for Kings, who chased down 168 in 15 overs, dealing a serious blow to Lahore's playoff hopes.

The match, which spilled past midnight due to a 90-minute rain delay, saw fortunes swing wildly. The Kings were behind for much of the chase, needing an improbable 48 runs off the final 16 deliveries. But Irfan, with critical support from veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, launched a stunning assault in the closing overs, including three sixes off Lahore skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi and a 20-run over off Haris Rauf. Daryl Mitchell, bowling the final over, was dispatched for a six by Irfan to seal victory with three balls to spare.

Earlier, after being asked to bat, Lahore made a blistering start thanks to a scintillating knock from Mohammad Naeem, who smashed a 22-ball fifty during a power-packed powerplay. With Fakhar Zaman also contributing a fluent 51, Qalandars looked set for a massive total before the rain arrived in the eighth over with the score at 85 for 1.

Upon resumption, the match was reduced to 15 overs per side. While Fakhar continued to score fluently and Abdullah Shafique chipped in, Karachi’s bowling unit clawed back through Abbas Afridi and Mir Hamza. Abbas was the standout with figures of 4 for 27, triggering a middle-order collapse that saw Lahore lose four wickets in just seven balls. From a position of strength, the Qalandars ended with 160 for 8, managing only 44 runs in the last five overs.

Despite early aggression from David Warner and Tim Seifert, Kings found themselves needing a daunting 84 off the final 30 balls with only five wickets in hand. But Irfan Khan’s late flourish turned the tide, as Kings surged into second place on the points table, overtaking Islamabad United. For Lahore, the loss leaves them teetering on the brink of another early exit from the round-robin stage.