Khushdil, Warner Steer Karachi Kings to Last-Over Thriller Against Zalmi

Karachi Kings held their nerve in a tense final-over finish to clinch a dramatic two-wicket win over Peshawar Zalmi in their last home game of the PSL 2025 campaign. Chasing 149, the Kings were anchored by a composed 60 from David Warner before Khushdil Shah capped off a brilliant all-round display to seal the win in the dying moments.

Needing nine runs off the final over with just two wickets in hand, Khushdil and Hasan Ali delivered under pressure, dispatching part-timer Hussain Talat for a boundary each to complete the chase with just a ball to spare. The win was Karachi’s reward for a determined effort with both bat and ball.

Warner was the backbone of the Kings’ innings, hitting 60 off 47 balls to keep the chase steady after an early wobble. The innings had begun disastrously with Luke Wood removing Tim Seifert first ball and James Vince shortly after. When teenage pacer Ali Raza bowled Saad Baig, Kings were struggling at 33 for 3.

However, Warner stood firm, supported briefly by Mohammad Nabi, whose 16-run cameo injected momentum at a crucial time. Warner’s assault in the middle overs, particularly against Saim Ayub and Raza, helped Karachi claw back control. But his dismissal—bowled by a slower delivery from Wood—triggered a late collapse, leaving Kings in a precarious position at 139 for 8.

With Abbas Afridi and Aamer Jamal falling in quick succession, Zalmi looked poised for a comeback. But their decision to hand the final over to Talat, after exhausting their frontline bowlers, backfired spectacularly.

Earlier, Kings had laid the foundation with a disciplined bowling effort after opting to bowl first. Khushdil Shah was the standout performer, claiming 3 for 20 and playing a key role in stifling Zalmi’s momentum. He dismissed Tom Kohler-Cadmore immediately after being hit for six, and later trapped Babar Azam LBW for a laboured 46 off 41 balls.

Zalmi's innings never truly took off. Saim Ayub fell early to Mir Hamza, while Babar survived two chances before finally succumbing. Mohammad Haris attempted to lift the pace with a 21-ball 28, but Khushdil struck again to remove him just when Zalmi were looking to accelerate. A late cameo from Alzarri Joseph pushed them to 147 for 8, but it proved insufficient.

For Karachi Kings, this win was as much about resilience as it was about skill. Despite late jitters, their experienced campaigners ensured they crossed the line to claim a morale-boosting victory—and two vital points.

Match Summary:
Peshawar Zalmi: 147/8 (Babar 46, Haris 28; Khushdil 3-20, Afridi 3-30)
Karachi Kings: 148/8 (Warner 60, Khushdil 23*; Wood 3-28)
Result: Karachi Kings won by 2 wickets
Player of the Match: Khushdil Shah