They say that the secret to winning T20 tournaments is 'peaking at the right time'. Hence, David Warner said, "Hopefully, it is the right time."
One can sense that Khushdil Shah's knock was a catalyst that this team needed. To win this match? Of course. But perhaps, its impact could be bigger than that.
For Lahore Qalandars, their last league game becomes nearly a must-win one. And it won't be easy as they will face Peshawar Zalmi — the only undefeated team this season. Plenty to look forward to as the PSL moves towards its business end.
Of course, to keep yourself updated, keep following CREX. That's all for our coverage for this match. This is Darpan Tikiya, signing off on the behalf of Manan Mehta, Dev Rajawat and Raju Khariya. Sayonara!
With this result, Multan Sultans have now officially qualified for the playoffs!!! They become the 2nd team after Peshawar Zalmi to have qualified for the playoffs this PSL.
Highest Strike Rate in an Innings for Karachi Kings (Min 30 Runs):
346.15 - 45(13)- Danish Aziz vs Quetta Gladiators, Abu Dhabi, 2021
314.28- 44*(14)- Khushdil Shah vs Lahore Qalandars, Lahore, 2026 (Today)*
290.90- 32(11)- Colin Munro vs Islamabad United, Karachi, 2019
Most 50+ Scores for Karachi Kings in PSL:
23- Babar Azam
5- James Vice, Imad Wasim, David Warner*
4- Sharjeel Khan, Shoaib Malik
David Warner (Karachi Kings captain): "(His thoughts on the win) That was a great performance by the guys. Up front with the new ball, the first couple of overs were okay. We know in the first six overs it can get away from you a little bit, but that wicket all-round was good. Both teams were good with the new ball. But what a finish it was. Moeen bhai coming in and then, Khushdil. We had a chat, I told him that your time is going to come. And I am so happy for that.
(On him playing the role of the glue) It happened by chance. I was frustrated that I kept hitting it to the fielders. But then, that is the game of cricket. I have played for a long time. I knew one guy is going to come in and play that sort of a cameo. Hopefully, this is the right time. Hopefully, we win the next one and get going at the right time.
(On Khushdil smashing Afridi for 23 runs in an over) To do that against a world class bowler is phenomenal. And it shows that in this format, if u put pressure on the bowler, no matter who it is, they can succumb to that. That was serious execution at the end."
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore Qalandars Captain): "(On the team total at the halfway stage) I think 199 was a very good total. We bowled poorly in the last overs especially me. I should have bowled much better.
(On tussle with Quetta for qualification) They are playing before us in the afternoon game. So we will see how they play and then accordingly model our strategy for qualification."
Khushdil Shah (Player of the Match): (On performing in a must-win match) “Thank you. Our team badly needed this win. That was the main focus. At the position I bat, whether a foreign player or a local player is there, the aim is always to finish the match for the team. If you do that, it becomes a very good performance as a player. If you look at it as a batter, number seven is one of the toughest positions. If you get out, then mostly the bowlers are left to come.
(On facing Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf at the death) When bowlers like Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf have overs left, you have to stay calm and try to maximize whatever impact you can. My effort is to finish the game or hit one or two strong shots that create momentum for the team.
(On the captain’s innings and partnership) A lot of credit goes to the captain (David Warner). He carried the innings from the start till the end. The partner at the other end kept hitting key boundaries, and that’s why we were able to chase 200.”
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: KHUSHDIL SHAH
Superpower of the Match: David Warner
Smart wicket of the Match: Rizwan Ullah (for the wicket of Abdullah Shafique)