Azam Khan leads Karachi Kings to five-wicket win over Rawalpindiz

Lahore: Azam Khan struck 74 off 34 balls to guide Karachi Kings to a five-wicket victory over Rawalpindiz in a Pakistan Super League season 11 match at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Karachi completed the chase of 197 with four balls remaining, finishing on 199 for 5 in 19.2 overs after a contest that stayed closely poised deep into the second innings.

After being sent in to bat, Rawalpindiz, captained by Mohammad Rizwan, posted 197 for 6. Their innings was built around a 120-run stand between Sam Billings and Daryl Mitchell. Billings made 58 from 35 deliveries, while Mitchell added 65 off 41 balls to give their side a strong base.

Karachi, however, managed to limit further damage in the later stages. Hasan Ali was the standout bowler for Karachi Kings, returning 3 for 24 from his four overs.

In reply, Karachi began briskly through Muhammad Waseem, who scored 23 off 11 balls. David Warner then played a central role in the chase with 50 from 36 deliveries, helping keep the innings on course.

The match shifted decisively after the 15th over when Azam Khan accelerated the scoring. His innings, marked by consistent boundary-hitting, brought down the asking rate and swung momentum in Karachi’s favour. He was dismissed in the 19th over with only a handful of runs still needed, leaving Karachi on the verge of victory before the closing exchanges.

Azam, who was named Player of the Match, said he was pleased to contribute but felt his innings had not been flawless.

I wasn’t really satisfied with the innings because I gave away a lot of chances, but getting runs off the bat always feels nice.

He also said he had expected to bat higher up the order.

I had a gut feeling they might send me at number four because I think that’s my ideal position after the powerplay.

Speaking about the chase, Azam said his stand with Warner was crucial.

We decided we had to get at least one boundary every over.

Warner praised both the result and Karachi’s overall display, including the work done by the bowlers in the middle overs.

Tonight was a fantastic result for us, and the way the boys played was outstanding.

I think 200-plus was probably a par total on that wicket, but the way our bowlers operated through the middle was fantastic.

He also lauded Azam Khan’s match-winning knock.

That was fantastic. He just needed to come out with intent and play his way.

Mitchell also contributed with the ball for Rawalpindiz and finished with figures of 3 for 32, but his effort was not enough to stop Karachi during the decisive phase of the chase.

The win improves Karachi Kings’ position in the standings, while Rawalpindiz were left to look back at a game that slipped away despite putting up a strong first-innings total.