Karachi Kings’ strategic move to bowl first paid off handsomely as they quickly removed the in-form Qalandars batsman Fakhar Zaman in the third over. With this early breakthrough, attention shifted to Lahore’s dynamic duo of Sahibzada Farhan and Rassie van der Dussen, who expertly guided the Qalandars to 32/1 by the end of the powerplay.
As the partnership between van der Dussen and Farhan posed a threat, Karachi’s captain Shan Masood displayed his tactical prowess by bringing in Shamsi to bowl the seventh over, aiming to disrupt their momentum. However, the over didn’t go according to Karachi’s plan.
On the fourth delivery of the seventh over, Shamsi bowled a perfectly pitched length ball targeting the leg stump. Van der Dussen, anticipating a flick, stepped forward but missed the ball entirely. Despite a chance for an easy stumping, King’s wicketkeeper Muhammad Akhlaq failed to hold onto the ball as it grazed off his gloves, much to Shamsi’s frustration.
However, Shamsi’s fortunes changed in the ninth over when he delivered another well-placed length ball, this time aimed at the leg stump. Van der Dussen attempted a sweeping shot, but the ball sneaked past his bat, striking his back thigh pad instead. Umpire Richard Illingworth wasted no time in raising his finger, signaling him out.
— Shanaka Kundu (@KunduShanaka) February 24, 2024
The 35-year-old South African batsman decided to challenge the decision with a review, only for the replay to confirm the umpire’s call, much to Shamsi’s relief. The Karachi fans erupted in applause, recognizing the redemption of the experienced Proteas spinner.