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Karachi: Karachi Kings head coach Ravi Bopara praised his side’s team balance and composure under pressure after their thrilling win against Peshawar Zalmi.
Karachi Kings successfully chased down 148 runs, losing eight wickets with three balls to spare on a challenging batting surface in the 11th match of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at National Bank Stadium on Monday.
The home team got off to a poor start in their chase, as Tim Seifert was dismissed for a golden duck on the very first ball. The in-form batter James Vince followed soon after, departing for 11, leaving Karachi in early trouble at 19-2 in 2.5 overs.
After a shaky start, Saad Baig partnered with skipper David Warner, and together they took the team’s score to 42 before Baig was bowled by Ali Raza, having scored 9 off 8 balls.
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Subsequently, Irfan Khan contributed 10 runs, while Mohammad Nabi added 14, while David Warner remained firm at the other end. Warner’s innings came to an end in the 17th over after scoring 60 off 47 balls.
However, it was Player of the Match Khushdil Shah who anchored the final stages with a calm unbeaten 23, guiding the team home in the last over.
For Peshawar Zalmi, Luke Wood took three wickets, while Ali Raza claimed two wickets.
While speaking in the post-match press conference, Karachi Kings head coach Ravi Bopara praised the fans’ enthusiasm and acknowledged the tough playing conditions.
“Fans witnessed a thrilling contest on a challenging wicket — and I am sure they [Fans] enjoyed every bit of it, ” he remarked.
Bopara discussed the challenges of sticking to a single combination due to changing pitches and noted the advantage of having a versatile squad.
“It’s very difficult to stick with one combination on varying pitches. The conditions play a major part, and having the luxury of different players is always good,” he said.
Bopara confirmed Zahid Mehmood was being considered, but the team chose the best XI for the specific conditions of today’s pitch.
“We will definitely take Zahid Mehmood into consideration. We went with the best eleven for today’s pitch,” Bobara added.
The head coach also emphasized the importance of team selection and adaptability under pressure, noting the depth of the Karachi Kings’ batting line-up.
“Playing under pressure is how players grow. We know it’s not the most solid middle order, but our long batting line-up helps cover it up,” he explained.
Bopara praised Khushdil Shah, emphasizing his vital role in the team, especially in current conditions, and credited him for delivering
“Khushdil is a major part of Karachi Kings. The role he plays in the team, especially in these conditions, is very vital. Credit to him—he delivered.”
READ: PSL 10: Karachi Kings edge Peshawar Zalmi in last-over thriller
