PSL Champions. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Karachi Kings clinched a thrilling victory against Lahore Qalandars on Saturday night in a gripping showdown at the National Stadium in Karachi, extending the Pakistan Super League 2024 playoff race by at least another day. Shoaib Malik emerged as the hero, smashing a boundary off the last ball to secure a nail-biting three wickets’ win for the fifth-placed Karachi Kings. This crucial triumph keeps their playoff aspirations burning, while also intensifying the pressure on Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators.
Karachi Kings soared to 8 points after their victory in the ninth match. With only four league matches remaining, the race for playoff berths intensifies. Amidst the fray, two teams vie to join Multan Sultans and Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL Playoffs 2024. The impending summit stage promise gripping cricket action as teams battle for the coveted spots in the play-offs.
Multan Sultans, led by Mohammed Rizwan, secured the first playoff spot with 12 points from 8 matches, while Babar Azam’s Peshawar Zalmi secured their entry with their fifth win, accumulating 11 points. As the league stage concludes on Tuesday (March 12), the spotlight now shifts to Islamabad United, Quetta Gladiators, and Karachi Kings. The trio will battle fiercely for the remaining playoff spots in the PSL 2024.
Islamabad United 2024 Playoff Qualification Scenario
Scenario 1: Shadab Khan’s Islamabad United, aiming for their third title, must triumph in their last league match against Multan Sultans on Sunday (March 10) to secure their playoff spot without relying on other outcomes. Accumulating 11 points will guarantee their position in the top four of the PSL 2024 standings.
Scenario 2: With nine points, Islamabad’s chances remain alive, albeit reliant on other outcomes for qualification. Maintaining a positive net run rate, Shadab Khan’s squad could advance if Karachi Kings falter against Peshawar Zalmi in their final fixture. This scenario hinges on results beyond their control in the PSL 2024 playoff race.
Quetta Gladiators 2024 Playoff Qualification Scenario
Scenario 1: Rilee Rossouw’s Quetta Gladiators require just one win in their remaining two matches to secure a top four finish in the PSL 2024. The Gladiators have the opportunity to secure their playoff berth as early as Sunday (March 10) with a triumph against Lahore Qalandars, or they can achieve it by defeating Multan Sultans on Tuesday (March 12).
Scenario 2: The former champions of season 4, Quetta Gladiators, can also secure qualification even with two losses if Karachi Kings falter in their final fixture or if Islamabad United suffer a substantial defeat against Multan Sultans. However, like Islamabad, Quetta prefers to secure their position through their own victories rather than relying on other outcomes in the PSL 2024.
Karachi Kings 2024 Playoff Qualification Scenario
Scenario 1: On Sunday, March 10, Karachi Kings’ playoff fate will be decided. If both Quetta and Islamabad emerge victorious in their respective matches, Shan Masood’s team will be eliminated from playoff contention. Even a triumph against Zalmi will only place them at 10 points, one less than the other two playoff contenders in the PSL 2024 championship race.
Scenario 2: Should Islamabad United stumble alone, Karachi Kings will require a victory to secure their playoff berth. If Quetta Gladiators falter solo, Kings must win and also rely on Rossouw’s squad losing their last league game to secure their spot in the PSL 2024 play-offs.