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Khushdil Shah stated that his match-winning innings against Peshawar Zalmi resulted from two years of dedicated self-improvement and hard work.
Karachi Kings stormed into the playoffs of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 with a dominant 23-run victory over Peshawar Zalmi.
The highlight of the match was a blistering unbeaten 43 off just 15 balls from Khushdil Shah, who, alongside Mohammad Nabi (26* off 10), stitched together a game-changing 70-run stand in just 24 balls to take Kings to an imposing 237-4.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Khushdil reflected on the break in the tournament and how the team stayed focused during that period.
“Yes, there was a break, but we ensured our practice and training continued. During the gap, we kept ourselves prepared for the resumption,” he said.
“It really helped that all our overseas players returned. The kind of start our top order gave us—when a team gets that platform, it makes it much easier to capitalise in the death overs.”
Khushdil Shah, often under scrutiny for his supposed weakness against short-pitched and outside off-stump deliveries, was asked about his evident improvement and fluency in this PSL season.
He revealed how he worked on his perceived weaknesses and trained to adapt to various match situations.
“When I was dropped from the national team, I knew I had to fix what was holding me back,” Khushdil said.
“Previously, I used to bat only in the last two or three overs, where the situation demands immediate hitting. That affected my rhythm and mindset.”
“So after being dropped, I decided to seriously work on my weaknesses and trained myself to play longer innings, because often top-order collapses mean you have to bat earlier.
“I realised that I needed to prepare myself for all kinds of situations and improve every aspect of my batting.”
He added that he consciously focused on shot-making across the ground and adapting to different situations.
“It’s not that I’m weak against short balls. In fact, in the death overs, bowlers rarely go short—that’s often the easiest delivery to put away,” he further stated.
“Sometimes you mistime it, sometimes you score, sometimes you don’t. I’ve spent the last two years working hard on my batting, and all my focus has been on improving myself.”
When asked about attacking young Pakistani pacers Ali Raza and Ahmed Daniyal, who bowled the crucial final two overs, Khushdil Shah downplayed any notion of ease.
“We got a great start from David Warner and James Vince, which gave us the cushion,” he said.
“Secondly, the wicket was slow, and our intent was simple: watch the ball and hit the ball. Thankfully, the shots were connecting and going all around the ground.”
With this win, Karachi Kings sealed their place in the playoffs and sent a strong message to the remaining contenders.
The team will now look to carry their momentum forward and continue their charge for their second PSL title.
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