Azam Khan's rampage takes unbeaten Karachi Kings to nervy win
His brutal 34-ball 74 led the way in a chase of 198, after an excellent Hasan Ali had ripped out a three-for in the death for Kings
His brutal 34-ball 74 led the way in a chase of 198, after an excellent Hasan Ali had ripped out a three-for in the death for Kings
Commentator: Rashad Mahbub
That concludes today's PSL doubleheader action, with the Karachi Kings now sitting at the top of the table. Make sure to join us again for more PSL action tomorrow. Until then, this is Rashad Mahbub, signing off on behalf of Shashwat Kumar and the rest of the crew. Sayonara!
David Warner: "Feels great to be here. Tonight was a fantastic result for us, and the way the boys played was outstanding. I think 200-plus was probably a par total on that wicket, but the way our bowlers operated through the middle was fantastic. They had a solid foundation with a good partnership, which is always hard to pull back, but we saw a fantastic innings. [Bowling unit] Yeah, it's handy. I've captained a lot of franchises around the world, and it's just great to have that artillery available. The guys have been bowling very well. The best thing is the experience in this team; I'm using their knowledge, and our bowling changes are a group decision, not just mine. We're gelling really well together. [Azam Khan's innings] That was fantastic. He just needed to come out with intent and play his way. We know what he's capable of, and he certainly knows it too. To see him come off tonight and bat in the middle like that is going to hold him in good stead for the rest of the tournament."
Player of the Match, Azam Khan: "I wasn't really satisfied with the innings because I gave away a lot of chances, but getting runs off the bat always feels nice. I practice those shots a lot. I actually had a gut feeling they might send me at number four because I think that's my ideal position after the powerplay. It ended in a win, so I'm really happy about it. [Discussion between Warner in the middle] That was a crucial partnership. We decided we had to get at least one boundary every over. Scoring 200 in a T20 game isn't as difficult as it used to be, but you still need that consistent boundary. We managed to do that and I'm happy we got the win. [Locked in the number four spot?] Listen, guys [looks at his teammates]."
Saaib Uppal: "Last match vs Lahore, Abbas Afridi came in with 9 needed off 5. Hit a four and six.Today vs Rawalpindi, Abbas Afridi came in with 5 needed off 5. Hit a six."
10:36 pm Waseem started the massive chase with the right intent but his stay was brief, departing for 23 off just 11 balls. While Warner and Salman put up a steady partnership, the required run rate continued to climb as they struggled to shift gears. However, Warner and Azam Khan eventually broke loose in the middle overs, hammering several boundaries to bring the equation under 11 runs per over. The Pindiz were uncharacteristically sloppy in the field, gifting lives and runs through dropped catches and misfields. Amir dropped Azam on 36, and though Warner was dismissed shortly after reaching a 35-ball fifty, Azam took full control. His powerful hitting shifted the momentum entirely, and even after being dropped again by Rishad on 69, the damage was done. Azam finally departed after a brilliant 74 off 34 balls, caught at deep backward point. With 5 runs needed in the final over, Mitchell made things interesting by dismissing Moeen Ali with the first delivery. However, Abbas Afridi settled the nerves immediately, smashing his first ball over long on to seal a comfortable victory. It was another tough outing for the Pindiz bowling unit, made worse by Naseem Shah exiting the game with an injury during the death overs. The bowlers were expensive, despite Mitchell claiming three wickets. Post-match presentation is coming up shortly.
Karachi Kings won by 5 wickets
Abbas Afridi is the new batter in; a run-a-ball is needed now. Over the wicket
MM Ali lbw b Mitchell 5 (4m 5b 1x4 0x6) SR: 100
5 runs needed from the last 6 balls. Mitchell to bowl the last over
Moeen Ali is in at number 6
His brutal 34-ball 74 led the way in a chase of 198, after an excellent Hasan Ali had ripped out a three-for in the death for Kings