Daryl Mitchell and Sam Billings smashed half-centuries as RawalPindiz posted a 198-run target for Karachi Kings in the 10th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.
Kings captain David Warner’s decision to field first backfired as the tournament debutants racked up 197/6 in their 20 overs, courtesy of a monumental fourth-wicket partnership between Mitchell and Billings.
The Pindiz got off to a shaky start to their innings as Hasan Ali dismissed their captain, Mohammad Rizwan (21), in the third over with just 28 runs on the board.
Khushdil Shah inflicted further setbacks on the new entrants by getting rid of Yasir Khan (eight) and Kamran Ghulam (10) in quick succession, bringing the total down to 55/3 in 6.1 overs.
Following the early setback, Mitchell and Billings joined forces and turned the game on its head with a 120-run partnership for the fourth wicket, during which they both brought up their respective half-centuries.
Experienced pacer Hasan eventually broke the threatening partnership in the 18th over by dismissing Billings, while Mitchell fell prey to Mir Hamza on the first delivery of the penultimate over.
Mitchell remained the top-scorer for RawalPindiz with 65 off 41 deliveries, studded with five fours and three sixes, while Billings smashed eight fours and a six on his way to a 35-ball 58.
Abdullah Fazal ensured retaining Pindiz’s momentum with an unbeaten 17-run cameo, coming off just eight deliveries and featuring three boundaries, including two sixes.
Hasan was the standout bowler for the Kings, taking three wickets for just 24 runs in his four overs, followed by Khushdil with two, while Hamza bagged one.
