LAHORE: Waqas Maqsood defended eight runs off the last over to put a hurdle in Karachi Kings’ way to get their maiden victory in Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 7.
Imad Wasim (55) and Qasim Akram (51*) scored match-turning 108 runs together to raise the hopes of the Kings to win their maiden PSL 7 match after seven games. But, they collapsed, in the end, to give away a match by just a run.
Earlier, Sharjeel Khan scored fighting 44 runs to keep Kings up in the 192 run-chase. He smashed four boundaries and three sixes during his stay at the crease. Imad and Qasim also smacked opponents all around the park.
Maqsood took three, Asif Ali bagged two while Liam Dawson and Zeeshan Zameer shared a wicket apiece for United.
Asif Ali and Faheem Ashraf scored some quick runs for United as they posted 191-7 while batting first in 21st match here at Gaddafi Stadium on Monday.
Supporting United in the end, Asif smashed 28 off 11 with the help of a boundary and three sixes whereas Faheem struck 29 off 10 laced with three boundaries and two sixes as United recovered well in the twilight phase of the game.
Sent into bat first, United’s opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz started off the innings with two back-to-back maximums off Imad Wasim. But, Imad made an impressive comeback to bag him in the same over.
Alex Hales and Shadab Khan supported their team quite well after they were reduced to 26-2. Hales made 25 whereas the skipper contributed 24 as they both made 42 runs together.
Azam also made quick 22 including two boundaries and a six followed by heroics from Asif and Faheem.
For Kings, Imad bagged a wicket whereas PSL 7 debutant Mir Hamza, PSL debutant Jordan Thomas, Chris Jordan, and Umaid Asif shared a wicket apiece.
