Fast bowler Mohammad Amir stole the limelight on the second day of the PSL, taking a hat-trick to power Karachi Kings to a seven-wicket victory against Lahore Qalandars in Dubai.
Amir made his international comeback in the recent series against New Zealand, but by his own bowling coach Waqar Younis’ admission, “was not at his best, but getting there”. On Friday, he bowled Dwayne Bravo’s middle stump, had Zohaib Khan caught behind, and trapped Kevon Cooper lbw with successive deliveries in the 19th over, restricting Lahore to a below-par 125 for 8. However, even before Amir’s blows, Lahore were struggling to build any momentum, motoring about at barely six an over. Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with a 31-ball 37, but lacked support from the other end, as the likes of Chris Gayle, Azhar Ali, Cameron Delport and Sohaib Maqsood all failed to make good on their starts. Karachi had little trouble knocking off the small total, as despite losing two early wickets, fifties from Lendl Simmons and Shakib Al Hasan guided the team home inside 16 overs. Simmons struck eight fours and two sixes for his 62 not out, while Shakib’s 35-ball 51 featured three fours and sixes each; the pair added 109 runs for the third wicket. -Cricifno
