Karachi Kings extended their strong run in PSL 2026 with a five-wicket victory over Rawalpindiz at the Gaddafi Stadium, successfully chasing 198 with four balls to spare. The win marked their third consecutive triumph, taking them back to the top of the points table after briefly being displaced by Multan Sultans.
Both innings followed a similar pattern, with periods of slowdown around the middle of the powerplay and at the halfway stage before acceleration in the latter overs. However, the difference came through Azam Khan’s explosive 74 off 34 balls, with 60 of those runs coming in boundaries. It was his first PSL half-century in two editions and included three dropped chances by Rishad Hossain (twice) and Mohammad Amir.
Warner and Azam Lead the Chase
On a batting-friendly surface hosting only its second game of the tournament, Karachi opted to field first, with David Warner making the call at the toss. Rain briefly interrupted proceedings after three deliveries but did not affect the overall contest.
Muhammad Waseem provided early momentum, striking boundaries off Mohammad Amir and following it up with two sixes against Naseem Shah. Salman Agha added late impetus in the powerplay with three boundaries in an over from Amir Khan.
Warner anchored the chase with a 50 off 36 balls, though he initially struggled for fluency. He faced just nine deliveries in the powerplay and only increased his scoring rate from the ninth over onwards. His innings featured a series of well-timed drives, with his half-century coming in 35 balls.
Azam’s Late Assault Seals Victory
With the chase finely balanced at 43 required off 22 balls, Azam Khan turned the game decisively. He attacked Cole McConchie, striking two sixes and a boundary off the final three deliveries of the over, effectively ending the contest.
Azam scored 31 runs off seven balls during his late surge before falling in the penultimate over, leaving Karachi in complete control. Abbas Afridi then finished the match with a six, sealing the win for the Kings.
Mitchell and Billings Anchor Rawalpindiz Innings
Earlier, Rawalpindiz posted 197 for 6, built around a 120-run fourth-wicket partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Sam Billings, who both scored half-centuries. Mitchell top-scored with 65, while Billings added 58.
Khushdil Shah struck early, removing Yasir Khan and Kamran Ghulam, while Adam Zampa helped apply pressure after the powerplay. A fielding error by Hasan Ali in the 13th over allowed Rawalpindiz to regain some momentum, conceding 19 runs in that over.
Abbas Afridi was targeted in the 17th over, where he conceded four boundaries. However, Hasan Ali pulled things back at the death with disciplined bowling, dismissing Billings and McConchie while conceding just 13 runs across the 18th and 20th overs.
Mir Hamza removed Mitchell in the penultimate over, but Rawalpindiz ultimately fell just short of the 200-run mark.
Points Table Impact
With this result, Karachi Kings strengthened their position at the top of the standings, while Rawalpindiz dropped to second from bottom after suffering two defeats in as many matches.
