Karachi Kings’ captain David Warner highlighted the key factors behind their 65-run defeat against arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars in the anticipated HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) clash at the National Bank Stadium on Tuesday.
Warner, while speaking at the post-match ceremony, termed losing early wickets in the powerplay was the turning point of the match.
“Losing those wickets in the powerplay, you’d probably still take the game on but it didn’t work out. One of those games you forget about,” said Warner.
The former Australian opener reiterated that if their batters did not get out on bad bowling there were plenty of positives to take away from the defeat. He also highlighted the shortcomings in the fielding and bowling departments.
“If we didn’t get out to bad bowling, there’s a lot of positives from it. Thought there would be a lot more dew, 200 was par,” said Warner.
“If we caught a bit better and bowled well, it would’ve been easier,” he added.
David Warner concluded by lauding the energy of his team and shared that he is ‘loving’ his time in the PSL.
“I’m loving the energy of this group, everyone’s trying their best both on and off the field. Absolutely loving my time here,” Warner shared.
Kings’ struggle
In a post-match presser, pacer Hasan Ali opened up about Karachi Kings’ struggles in their latest match, admitting a top-order collapse led to their defeat.
“We lost early wickets, couldn’t build partnerships, and the pressure mounted,” he said. The fast bowler, who last featured for Pakistan in May 2024, further spoke about the culture of criticism around players, particularly on social media.
“Criticism for improvement is fine, but when families are targeted, it affects everyone,” he said, referencing incidents from Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand earlier this year.
“I understand that as public figures, we’re always under scrutiny. Our job is to respond with performances,” he further added.
Hasan reaffirmed his commitment to returning to the national squad, saying, “I’m still young and believe in my ability. Performances here will decide my international future.”
Moreover, the Karachi Kings vice-captain has come out in support of struggling Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam, calling for patience and backing the batter to bounce back from his current rough patch.
Labelled by many as out of form, Babar has been facing scrutiny for his performances in PSL 10. However, Hasan dismissed the criticism and reaffirmed Babar’s value to the national side.
“Babar is our best player, and he will bounce back,” said Hasan, referencing his earlier remark calling Babar a ‘king’. “We made Babar the king, and we are also bringing him down. If my words – ‘The King will deliver’ – hurt anyone, I apologise. But my stance remains unchanged.”
The 30-year-old was part of Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy-winning side and continues to be a vocal figure in domestic and franchise cricket.
For the unversed, an all-round effort helped Lahore Qalandars to end their five-match losing streak against Karachi Kings with an emphatic 65-run victory.
Batting first, the visitors racked up a formidable total of 201/6 in 20 overs, thanks to brisk half-centuries by Fakhar Zaman and Daryl Mitchell.
On the bowling front, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Rishad Hossain led the charge with three wickets each, followed by Sikandar Raza with two, while Asif Afridi and Haris Rauf chipped in with one scalp apiece.