In a nail-biting Pakistan Super League (PSL) showdown, Karachi Kings pulled off a stunning last-over victory against Lahore Qalandars, thanks to a power-packed batting display and Lahore’s sloppy bowling in the death overs.
The loss sparked massive criticism of Lahore's captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, both for his performance and post-match attitude.
The turning point of the match came in the 18th over, when Karachi’s Irfan Niazi smashed Shaheen Afridi for three consecutive sixes, plundering 21 runs in the over. Karachi needed 27 runs off the last two overs—something they achieved with grit, composure, and brute power.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Lahore’s spearhead and skipper, conceded 41 runs in his 3 overs, while fellow pacer Haris Rauf gave away 40 runs in his quota of 3 overs, albeit picking up 2 wickets. Despite being in a commanding position earlier in the game, Lahore lost their grip in the final stages, allowing Karachi to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
After the match, Shaheen’s post-game interview became a hot topic online. When asked what went wrong in the last five overs, the captain responded nonchalantly, "The team that plays better cricket wins. This is not the end of the tournament—we’ll meet Karachi again in the semifinals."
His dismissive response didn’t sit well with fans, many of whom took to social media to vent their frustration. One user criticized his ego, saying, “Performance is zero, but arrogance is 100%.” Another user lashed out, calling his repeated selection a product of nepotism, adding, “Shaheen has been failing for four years. It’s time to drop him and give young talent a chance.”
A wave of criticism labeled Shaheen as “arrogant,” with cricket fans demanding accountability and calling for a fresh approach ahead of crucial knockout matches. “He never learns,” one user wrote bluntly.