Lahore, May 22 (V7N) — Bangladesh’s premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan made a brief but impactful appearance as Lahore Qalandars eliminated Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) eliminator, keeping their hopes of reaching the final alive.

Though Lahore picked three Bangladeshi cricketers — Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Rishad Hossain — only Shakib featured in the playing XI. He bowled just one over, taking 1 wicket for 4 runs, but was not brought back into the attack. Still, his team cruised to victory, winning by six wickets with eight balls to spare at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Batting first, Karachi Kings posted 190 for 8, thanks to a strong 75-run knock off 52 balls by David Warner, which included 8 boundaries and 3 sixes. Tim Seifert added a quick 16, while Khushdil Shah powered the tail end with a rapid 27 off 14 balls.

In response, Lahore Qalandars built a strong foundation with Fakhar Zaman scoring 47 off 28 balls and Abdullah Shafique delivering a blistering 65 off 35 balls, smashing 3 fours and 5 sixes. Sri Lankans Kusal Perera (30 off 24) and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (23 off 12) completed the chase with ease.

Led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Lahore sealed the win without needing Shakib’s services with the bat.

The Qalandars will now face Islamabad United in the second qualifier on Friday (May 23) for a place in the PSL final against Quetta Gladiators, who advanced after winning the first qualifier.

END/MSS/AJ