The Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars rivalry is one of the most popular contests in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The two teams represent Pakistan’s biggest cities, Karachi and Lahore, which adds extra excitement whenever they meet. Over the years, their matches have produced close finishes, big totals, dramatic chases and memorable playoff encounters. Karachi vs lahore head to head in psl
After their two meetings in the 2026 PSL season, Karachi Kings remain ahead in the overall rivalry. The latest records show that the teams have played 24 matches, with Karachi Kings winning 16 and Lahore Qalandars winning 7, while one match ended in a tie that was decided by a Super Over.
Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars H2H Record
| Head-to-Head Record | Karachi Kings | Lahore Qalandars |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 24 | 24 |
| Wins | 16 | 7 |
| Losses | 7 | 16 |
| Tie | 1 | 1 |
| No Result | 0 | 0 |
| Highest Score | 196 | 201 |
| Lowest Score | 116 | 110 |
Karachi therefore have a significant advantage in the historical head-to-head battle. However, Lahore have also enjoyed important victories, including their six-wicket win in the 2025 Eliminator, which knocked Karachi out of that season’s playoffs.Karachi vs lahore head to head in psl
Early History of the Rivalry
Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars faced each other for the first time during the inaugural PSL season in 2016. Karachi won both matches that season.
In the first meeting on February 5, 2016, Karachi chased Lahore’s 125/8 and won by seven wickets. Karachi then won the second encounter by 27 runs after scoring 178/5.
These early victories gave Karachi an immediate advantage in the rivalry.
The second PSL season was more competitive, with both sides recording victories. Over the next few seasons, the two franchises continued to exchange wins, gradually developing one of the league’s most recognizable rivalries.
The Famous 2018 Tie
One of the most memorable matches between Karachi and Lahore came in the 2018 PSL season.
The match ended in a tie, leading to a Super Over. Lahore Qalandars eventually won the Super Over, with Sunil Narine playing an important role in the decisive phase.
This remains one of the most dramatic moments in the history of the Karachi-Lahore rivalry. The match also demonstrated how evenly matched the two sides could be when the pressure was at its highest.
Karachi Kings’ Dominance
Karachi have historically controlled this matchup. Their strong record has been built through consistent performances across several PSL seasons.
In 2023, Karachi produced two impressive victories over Lahore. The first came on February 19, when Karachi scored 185/5 before bowling Lahore out for 118, winning by 67 runs.
Karachi were even more dominant in their March 12 meeting. They scored 196/7, while Lahore were dismissed for only 110, giving Karachi an 86-run victory.
The two teams met twice again in 2024, and Karachi won both matches. They won by two wickets in Lahore on February 24 before defeating Lahore by three wickets in Karachi on March 9.
This period significantly strengthened Karachi’s overall advantage.
Lahore Qalandars Fight Back
Although Karachi have the better overall record, Lahore have produced several important victories in recent seasons.
In April 2025, Lahore scored 201/6 and defeated Karachi by 65 runs. It was Lahore’s highest score in this rivalry and one of their most convincing wins against the Kings.
Karachi responded in the next meeting, winning by four wickets via the DLS method.
The teams then met in Eliminator 1 on May 22, 2025. Karachi scored 190/8, but Lahore chased the target successfully, reaching 191/4 in 18.4 overs and winning by six wickets.
That playoff victory was particularly important because it ended Karachi’s campaign and allowed Lahore to continue their journey toward the PSL title.
2026 PSL Head-to-Head
The rivalry continued with two matches during the 2026 PSL season.
On March 29, 2026, Karachi Kings defeated Lahore Qalandars by four wickets. Lahore posted 128/9, while Karachi reached 131/6 in 19.3 overs.
The second meeting took place on April 23, 2026, at Gaddafi Stadium. Lahore scored 199/6, but Karachi produced an excellent chase, reaching 203/5 in 18.4 overs to win by five wickets.
The two 2026 victories strengthened Karachi’s overall dominance.
Highest Team Scores
Both sides have produced impressive batting performances in this rivalry.
Lahore Qalandars – 201/6
Lahore’s highest score against Karachi is 201/6, recorded during the 2025 PSL season. They won that match by 65 runs.
Karachi Kings – 196/7
Karachi’s highest score in the historical records listed by MyKhel is 196/7, which came during their 86-run victory over Lahore in 2023.
Karachi also produced a higher total of 203/5 in 2026, showing that the rivalry’s scoring records have continued to evolve.
Lowest Team Scores
Lahore Qalandars’ lowest total against Karachi is 110, which came in the 2023 match that Karachi won by 86 runs.
Karachi Kings’ lowest listed total against Lahore is 116.
These figures highlight the wide range of results in this rivalry. Matches between the two teams can either become high-scoring contests or turn into one-sided bowling performances.
Recent Head-to-Head Trend
The recent rivalry has been competitive despite Karachi’s overall advantage.
The last 10 matches listed by IPL.com show Karachi with a 7-3 advantage over Lahore. The sequence includes Karachi’s victories in both 2026 matches, while Lahore won the 2025 Eliminator and their April 2025 league meeting.
This means Karachi have not only dominated the historical record but have also performed strongly in the recent period.
However, Lahore remain a dangerous opponent, particularly in knockout matches. Their 2025 Eliminator victory demonstrated that they can overcome Karachi when the stakes are extremely high.
Why the Karachi-Lahore Rivalry Is Special
The rivalry is about more than statistics. Karachi and Lahore are two of Pakistan’s most prominent cities, and their sporting rivalry attracts significant attention.
The PSL has turned that city rivalry into a major cricketing contest. Supporters from both sides create a passionate atmosphere, while the matches often feature some of the league’s biggest stars.
The rivalry has also produced memorable individual performances from batsmen and bowlers. High-pressure chases, spectacular sixes, quick wickets and close finishes have made Karachi-Lahore matches particularly entertaining for PSL fans.
Conclusion
The Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars head-to-head record in PSL currently favors Karachi Kings. After 24 meetings, Karachi have won 16 matches, while Lahore have won 7, with one tie.
Karachi enjoyed particularly strong periods in 2023, 2024 and 2026, while Lahore have also recorded important victories, including their 2025 playoff success.
The rivalry remains one of the biggest attractions in the Pakistan Super League. Although Karachi have the statistical advantage, Lahore’s ability to win important matches means future meetings should continue to produce exciting cricket.
5 FAQs
1. How many times have Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars played in PSL?
Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars have faced each other 24 times in PSL history, according to records updated after the 2026 season.
2. Who has won more matches between Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars?
Karachi Kings have the better head-to-head record, with 16 wins compared with Lahore Qalandars’ 7 victories. One match ended in a tie.
3. What is Karachi Kings’ highest score against Lahore Qalandars?
Karachi Kings’ highest score listed in the historical record is 196/7, achieved against Lahore in the 2023 PSL season. Karachi won that match by 86 runs.
4. What is Lahore Qalandars’ highest score against Karachi Kings?
Lahore Qalandars’ highest score against Karachi is 201/6, scored in the 2025 PSL season. Lahore won the match by 65 runs.
5. Who won the latest Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars match?
Karachi Kings won the latest meeting in the 2026 PSL, defeating Lahore Qalandars by five wickets after chasing 200. Karachi reached 203/5 in 18.4 overs at Gaddafi Stadium.