< >

Fakhar Zaman sets up thrilling seven-run win for Lahore Qalandars

by Manuj Sharma Friday 17 February 2017

Kumar Sangakkara's fifty went in vain for Karachi

©REUTERS

Lahore Qalandars 179-8 (Zaman 56) beat
Karachi Kings 172-8 (Sangakkara 65) by seven runs
Eighth match, Pakistan Super League, Sharjah

After a fifty from Fakhar Zaman powered Lahore Qalandars to 179 for eight, the bowlers overcame a 65-run knock from Kumar Sangakkara to seal a thrilling seven-run win against Karachi Kings in the eighth match of Pakistan Super League in Sharjah.

Karachi Kings won the toss and elected to field first. Jason Roy (26) started the innings with a couple of boundaries but Imad Wasim (1-22) castled Brendon McCullum (0) at the other end.

Zaman (56) announced his arrival with a six and a four as he and Roy added a quick 45 runs off just 23 deliveries. Just in the final over of powerplay, Roy was castled by Sohail Khan (2-37) and Lahore scored 62 for two in the first six overs.

In the ninth and the 10th over, Zaman and Umar Akmal (25) smashed two boundaries each and was also both enjoyed dropped chances as Lahore posted 96 for two at halfway mark.

Usama Mir (2-35) provided the breakthrough when he had Akmal caught at sweeper cover but Zaman reached his fifty off 33 deliveries.

Just when Lahore were set for a huge total, Karachi made a terrific comeback including three wickets in the final over bowled by Mohammad Amir (2-30) to reduce them to 179 for eight in the 20 overs.

In the chase, Sunil Narine (2-31) and Mohammad Irfan (2-35) removed both Chris Gayle (5) and Babar Azam (9).

Sangakkara (65) and Shoaib Malik (39) kept Karachi in the chase with a 101-run stand but once they fell, the innings collapsed and Karachi Kings were restricted to 172 for eight.

This is Karachi's third defeat in as many games while Lahore have moved to the fourth position. Zaman bagged the player of the match award.