Dropped catches galore as Kings manage 177-run target against Qalandars

An utterly sloppy effort in the field from Lahore Qalandars allowed Karachi Kings to manage total of 176 runs for the loss of five wickets in their allotted overs during the Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) season six fixture in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. 

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Karachi Kings were off to a good start as opener Sharjeel Khan seemed to be in excellent touch. 

The surge, however, was short-lived as pacer Shaheen Shah quickly removed the explosive batsman, caught by fielder Tim David, after he had scored just 13 runs off 10 balls. 

Lahore Qalandars got many chances to get Karachi Kings’ premier batsman Babar Azam but failed to capitalise on many opportunities, dropping catches and missing a run-out. 

The sloppy work by Lahore Qalandars allowed batsmen Babar Azam and Martin Guptill to score an important 88-run partnership off 62 balls that laid a solid foundation for their side. 

Pacer Ahmed Daniyal finally got Martin Guptill to chop one delivery onto his stumps after he had scored 43 runs off 31 balls. 

Veteran all-rounder then removed batsman Najibullah Zadra for a golden duck to apply some much-needed pressure on Karachi Kings. 

Batsman Chadwick Walton came out with the intent to push the scoring rate but was bamboozled by leg-spinner Rashid Khan after scoring just 10 runs off six balls. 

Babar Azam, who enjoyed several chances throughout the match, was finally caught by fielder Mohammad Hafeez off the bowling of Rashid Khan after scoring 54 runs off 44 balls. 

Karachi Kings managed to maintain the momentum and score 176 runs after unbeaten knocks towards the end by skipper Imad Wasim (30* off 19) and batsman Danish Aziz (16 off 10). 

Rashid Khan was the standout bowler for his side picking up two wickets in his allotted overs.