Kings vs Qalandars, 8th Match at Karachi, PSL 2023, Feb 19 2023 - Match Result

Until next time, this is Rvel Zahid signing off. Take care and cheers.

Well, the Lahore versus Karachi game didn't live up to the expectations and it turned out to be a lop-sided affair. Karachi finally got some points and they advance to the second spot in the table. Also, this big win has given a massive boost to their net run rate. 185 was a par score and the Kings looked switched on right from the beginning tonight. Bringing in Akif Javed proved to be a spot-on decision and the deck-hitting enforcer made an impact straightaway by snapping up four wickets.

Earlier James Vince and Matthew Wade (promoted up the batting order) went for the big shots right from the start and cameos from Imad Wasim and Ben Cutting gave them a respectable total. Fakhar Zaman couldn't push on after making 15 but Mirza Baig continued to charge from the other end and scored a brisk 45-run-knock but the bowling was exceptional from Kings today.

Mohammad Amir, Aamer Yamin and Akif Javed were menacing today, they matched the likes of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Zaman Khan. The spin duo of Imran Tahir (0/23) and Imad Wasim (1/23) were deadly accurate and didn't allow batters to tee off.

Imad Wasim, Player of the Match and Karachi Kings captain: "We were on the mark from the start. We began well with the bat and I thought a score of 170 was about par. The wicket was really tricky and we didn't want to lose wickets...just wanted to get to around 170. Bowling was good, everyone did their job. Not easy to bowl under pressure, everyone stuck to their plans and it worked."

Shaheen Afridi, Lahore Qalandars Captain: "It was a big match and obviously disappointing to lose. But it's a part and parcel of the game. We'll learn from this defeat and look to come back strong. There are some positives like Baig who batted well."

Imran Tahir: It's been a tough start, it was very important to win this game and it has brought smiles back on our faces but it's a long tournament, all in all very pleased to win this one.

Ali Abidi: "Living in London for many years. But this Karachi vs Lahore rivalry always turns your inner Karachiite. Although not that exciting match but still feeling relieved. Now will tune again for second leg. Hip Hip Karachi."

Zain: "With Sikandar Raza in the form of this life, wouldn't it be better to send him up rather than when the game is already over?"

Adeel : "This is not only a win for Kings, but it's a mini PSL cup for them. "

Ibrahim: "Duh! Good game! But not a cracking one at all as most of us had hoped for pre-match!From Canada!"

Tahir: "Akif first over 17 runs 0 wicket and next 2.3 he picked 11/4 what a tremendous comeback". He has got a good head on his shoulders

Smidge over 17 required, it's a tough ask. Amir is going off, some problems with the planting leg

Ali Abidi: "Does anyone have any idea what Qalandars are thinking??" Gotta give credit to Tahir and Imad for not allowing them to get off the hook

Roelof: "A South African bowling to a Zimbabwean and Namibian in the Pakistan Super League, you don't get such diversity anywhere else."

Iftikhar : "Bad playing lahore all the viewer disappointed with this approach need strong heart "

Ayaz Khan: "Lahore's top order cost them the match without giving an opportunity to Raza and Wiese"

Mohd Irshad: "Last partnership taken all the momentum that first 4 overs had and then got out...how a team could win from such situations."

Hassan: "These two wickets may actually help Lahore as both of these batsmen were going too slow. Now the explosive Sikandar Raza and Wiese can come earlier and get set and then explode at the death"

Usmannazir524@g: "I think a part from multan sultan all teams are really mis balanced... Peshawar got batting but have poor bowling line up.. Lahore are opposite .. Good bowling line and ordinary batting line up... "

Ayaz Khan: "Very poor batting from Kamran and Baig in the middle overs they have gifted the game already leaving no chance for Raza and Wiese to have a go"

Ayaz Khan: "How on earth you expect to chase 185 when your middle order strikes at 100 referring specially to Hope and Kamran"

Nader Abbas: "Cruel period to be quality pacer with a dream of representing Pakistan. Pakistan is blessed to have Shaheen, Harris, Naseem, Waseem, Hasnain, Amir, Ihsan Ullah, Akif Javed, Hassan Ali, Zeeshan Zameer, Abbas Afridi and M Imran Junior!"

Ammar : "Surprised to see Talat coming ahead Weise under the circumstances."