LQH vs KRK | Lahore Qalandars Crush Karachi Kings by 65 Runs in HBL PSL X Clash

Lahore Qalandars Dominate Karachi Kings with Clinical All-Round Display in HBL PSL X

Summary

Lahore Qalandars powered to their second win of HBL PSL X 2025 with a crushing 65-run victory over Karachi Kings at the National Bank Stadium. Fakhar Zaman and Daryl Mitchell delivered explosive fifties to guide Lahore to a total of 201, while Shaheen Afridi and Rishad Hossain shared six wickets to decimate the Kings' chase. With this win, Lahore continues to build strong momentum in the tournament.

Scorecard

Lahore Qalandars: 201/6 (20 overs)
Fakhar Zaman 76, Daryl Mitchell 75; Hasan Ali 4-28

Karachi Kings: 136 all out (19.1 overs)
Khushdil Shah 39, Hasan Ali 27; Rishad Hossain 3-26, Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-34

Result: Lahore Qalandars won by 65 runs
Player of the Match: Fakhar Zaman (Lahore Qalandars)

Qalandars in Cruise Mode: Batting Brilliance Sets the Tone

Lahore Qalandars put together a textbook T20 performance sharp with the bat, ruthless with the ball. After electing to bat first, they recovered from a brief early hiccup with an authoritative 125-run third-wicket stand between Fakhar Zaman and Daryl Mitchell. Fakhar, in trademark aggressive fashion, smoked 76 off 47 balls, including six boundaries and five towering sixes. Mitchell matched the intensity with his fluent 75 from 41 balls, decorated with nine fours and two sixes.

The Karachi Kings bowlers looked out of answers during the middle overs, with Mitchell and Fakhar dismantling the field placements with precision and power. Hasan Ali, though, tried to turn things around with a spirited spell, finishing with 4/28 a rare bright spot for Karachi. But quick-fire cameos from Sikandar Raza (10* off 5) and Sam Billings (19 off 10) ensured Lahore crossed the psychological 200-run mark.

Karachi Kings Collapse Under Pressure of Mammoth Chase

Set a challenging target of 202, the Kings crumbled under the scoreboard pressure almost immediately. Skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi continued his deadly tradition of making early inroads, removing both David Warner and the in-form James Vince in the first over both for ducks. It was a blow that Karachi could never recover from.

Asif Afridi and Rishad Hossain followed up superbly, with Rishad proving particularly effective against the Kings' middle order. The leg-spinner claimed the prized wickets of Shan Masood and Tim Seifert, who each made 18, leaving Karachi reeling at 46/5 inside eight overs.

Despite a brief attempt at a fightback from Khushdil Shah and Hasan Ali, the Kings were unable to recover. Khushdil top-scored with a gritty 39 off 27, including four boundaries and two sixes. Hasan chipped in with a measured 27, but neither innings threatened to close the gap. The innings ended on 136 in 19.1 overs, with Sikandar Raza taking the final wicket of Adam Milne.

Tactical Dominance: Qalandars Prove Their Depth

Lahore’s performance was a reflection of a side peaking in confidence and cohesion. With two wins on the bounce, they appear to have found a settled core, especially in the powerplay bowling and top-order batting. Fakhar Zaman's return to form is a massive boost, while Mitchell’s continued consistency adds solidity.

The bowling attack looks well-rounded Shaheen brings the early fire, Rishad Hossain supplies crucial middle-over breakthroughs, and Sikandar Raza offers late-over control. Their ability to mix seam and spin based on conditions was evident, and Karachi never found the rhythm to counter.

Karachi's Concerns: Top Order Woes and Lack of Resistance

For Karachi Kings, this match served as a harsh reality check. After a high from the previous match, the abrupt collapse against Lahore raises serious questions about their top-order stability and middle-order resilience. David Warner’s poor form is a growing concern, and James Vince, despite a ton in the last game, couldn't follow up.

The Kings need their batting unit to deliver more consistently across all phases. Their bowling, too, lacked the penetration needed outside of Hasan Ali’s spell. Unless they shore up both ends of their game, the road ahead could be bumpy.

Momentum Shift: Lahore’s Winning Streak Boosts Confidence

Back-to-back victories mean the Qalandars are beginning to climb the points table and build confidence at the right time. With key players firing and their balance coming together nicely, Lahore looks set for a deep run this season. Shaheen’s leadership has been composed and impactful, and the strategic use of his bowlers has been particularly noteworthy.

This win also reinforces Lahore’s strong head-to-head record against Karachi in recent seasons and sends a clear signal to other contenders in the league.