PSL 11: Karachi Kings defeat RawalPindiz by 5 wickets 

Lahore (Web Desk): Karachi Kings pulled off a thrilling chase to reach 198, fueled by rapid half-centuries from Azam Khan and captain David Warner, in the 10th match of the eleventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

The 2020 champions sealed the win with five wickets down and four balls remaining, thanks to a decisive 76-run stand between Azam and Warner.

The chase began nervously as opener Muhammad Waseem fell in the third over with 27 on the board. Salman Ali Agha (29) joined Warner and together they added 43 runs for the second wicket before Agha’s departure in the ninth over.

Promoted to No.5, Azam then combined with Warner to anchor the innings. While Warner fell to Daryl Mitchell in the 16th over, Azam’s aggressive 74 off 34 balls, studded with six fours and six sixes, brought the target within reach.

Moeen Ali’s brief five was followed by Abbas Afridi smashing a six to clinch Karachi’s third consecutive victory. Mitchell finished with 3/32, while Naseem Shah and Mohammad Amir picked one wicket each.

Earlier, Warner’s decision to field first backfired as RawalPindiz posted 197/6, highlighted by a 120-run fourth-wicket partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Sam Billings. Rizwan (21) fell early to Hasan Ali, and quick wickets from Khushdil Shah left the newcomers struggling at 55/3.

Mitchell top-scored with 65 off 41, while Billings made 58 from 35 balls. Abdullah Fazal’s unbeaten 17 helped push the total to a competitive 197. Hasan Ali was the Kings’ standout bowler with 3/24, supported by Khushdil Shah and Mir Hamza.