It was a sensational Sunday (January 30) for Pakistan batsman Fakhar Zaman as he scored a terrific century (106 off 60 balls) for the Lahore Qalandars as they defeated Karachi Kings in a Pakistan Super League (PSL) match that was played in Karachi. The encounter was a repeat of 2020 final, as Zaman and his men successfully chased 171 runs with four balls remaining at the National Stadium in Karachi. Zaman, for his exploits, was adjudged 'Man of the Match' as the Qalandars recorded their first win of the campaign.
Afridi wins the toss
After winning the toss, Qalandars skipper Shaheen Afridi decided to bowl, which turned out to be a great decision. Sharjeel Khan (60 off 39 deliveries) and skipper Babar Azam (41 off 33 deliveries) registered an opening partnership of 84 runs in just 10 overs for the Kings. However, once Sharjeel and Azam were dismissed, Karachi lost the momentum.
The Kings failed to consolidate their good start as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Mohammed Nabi (15) and Joe Clarke (24) were the only other batters to reach the double-digit mark.
Haris Rauf, on the other hand, was the best bowler as he scalped three wickets conceding 33 runs. Skipper Afridi, Zaman Khan and Rashid Khan picked up a wicket each as the Kings ended at 170/7 in their 20 overs.
Fakhar Zaman scores a ton
Chasing 171, the Qalandars lost Abdullah Shafique (8) early while Kamaran Ghulam (6) also departed without making any significant contribution. Zaman, on the other hand, was terrific with the bat as he hit 12 fours and 4 ssixes to score 106 off 60 deliveries with a strike rate of 177. He was slightly unfortunate to have lost his wicket in the penultimate over.
Mohammed Hafeez, also contributed to the winning cause with 24 runs off 21 deliveries while Samit Patel secured the win with a boundary as he scored 26 runs (not out) off 18 deliveries. Zaman's hundred is the second by a Lahore Qalandars player in the history of PSL as he also became the first Pakistani player to score a hundred for the Qalandars.
Chris Lynn, in March 2020, was the only other batter to score a ton for the Qalandars side.
The Qalandars next take on another former champion Peshawar Zalmi on Wednesday (February 2) while Karachi Kings face the same opponents on Friday (February 4).
