LAHORE - Quetta Gladiators, in a gripping contest that went down to the wire, snatched a dramatic five-run victory against Karachi Kings in the 15th match of the HBL PSL 10 at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday night.
Defending a modest total of 143, Quetta’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance, applying relentless pressure throughout Karachi’s chase and eventually restricting them to 137-8 in their allotted 20 overs. It was a true team effort in the bowling department, led by Mohammad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, and Khurram Shahzad, each claiming two crucial wickets to turn the tide in Quetta’s favour.
Karachi Kings, chasing 143, were rocked early as skipper David Warner was dismissed for just 4, courtesy of a sharp catch by Rilee Rossouw off Amir’s bowling. However, wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert counterattacked brilliantly, smashing 47 off 26 balls with five fours and two sixes to revive Karachi’s hopes. He shared a vital 73-run partnership with James Vince (30) that steadied the innings and set up the chase.
Once both Seifert and Vince were dismissed in quick succession, the middle order collapsed under pressure. Shan Masood (9), Omair Yousuf (11), and Khushdil Shah (0) fell cheaply, with Abrar Ahmed and Khurram Shahzad tightening the screws during the middle overs. Even seasoned campaigners like Mohammad Nabi (4) and Abbas Afridi (0) couldn’t rescue Karachi as they slipped from 93-2 to 115-8.
Hasan Ali attempted to mount a late rescue mission, blasting an unbeaten 24 off 13 balls with three boundaries and a six, but his effort wasn’t enough to take Karachi over the line. Quetta’s bowlers held their nerve in the final overs, especially Wasim and Shahzad, who bowled with precision and composure.
Earlier, Quetta Gladiators managed to post 142 in 19.3 overs after being sent in to bat, thanks to a fighting knock from Faheem Ashraf. Quetta’s innings was in disarray early, with the top three, Saud Shakeel (6), Finn Allen (0), and Rossouw (10), falling inside four overs to Hasan Ali’s fiery spell.
Kusal Mendis offered resistance with a fluent 36 off 22 balls, while youngster Hasan Nawaz added a steady 35 from 34 deliveries. But it was Faheem Ashraf’s powerful 43 off just 27 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes, that lifted Quetta to a competitive total. His late fireworks proved crucial in the end. Hasan Ali was the pick of Karachi’s bowlers, claiming 3-33. Mir Hamza and Abbas Afridi supported him well, grabbing two wickets apiece.
Scores in Brief
QUETTA GLADIATORS 142 all out in 19.3 overs (Faheem Ashraf 43, Kusal Mendis 36, Hasan Nawaz 35; Hasan Ali 3-33, Mir Hamza 2-24, Abbas Afridi 2-31) beat KARACHI KINGS 137-8 in 20 overs (Tim Seifert 47, James Vince 30, Hasan Ali 24*; M Wasim 2-22, M Amir 2-26, Khurram Shahzad 2-31) by 5 runs.
