Quetta Gladiators Pull Off Thrilling Defense to Stun Karachi Kings in PSL Clash
Quetta Gladiators staged a sensational bowling resurgence to defend a modest 142-run total against Karachi Kings, securing a nail-biting five-run victory in Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium—marking the lowest-ever defended total at the venue in Pakistan Super League history.
Chasing 143, Karachi Kings appeared in control early, racing to 75/1 in just eight overs, needing 68 off 72 balls. However, the Gladiators’ bowlers orchestrated a dramatic collapse, claiming five wickets for just 27 runs over the next eight overs. Spin and pace combined to suffocate the Kings’ lineup, with the pressure ultimately proving insurmountable.
Tim Seifert (47 off 29) and James Vince (30 off 18) initially propelled the Kings’ charge, counterattacking after Mohammad Amir removed David Warner in the first over. Seifert’s explosive 19-run assault on Faheem Ashraf in the eighth over seemed to signal an easy chase. But the tide turned when part-time spinner Saud Shakeel dismissed Vince in his first over, triggering a meltdown. Shan Masood labored to 9 off 17 before falling, while Seifert’s dismissal—caught off Mohammad Wasim’s bowling—further derailed the Kings.
Abrar Ahmed’s crafty spell (1/15 in 4 overs) tightened the screws, including a crucial googly that removed Khushdil Shah via a sharp slip catch. With the required rate climbing above eight, the Kings’ lower order crumbled. Amir returned to bounce out Mohammad Nabi, and Abbas Afridi fell lbw to Khurram Shahzad. Despite Hasan Ali’s late six-hitting flurry, the Kings fell agonizingly short.
Earlier, the Kings’ decision to bowl first paid early dividends as Hasan Ali (3/33) wreaked havoc, dismissing Finn Allen, Saud Shakeel, and Rilee Rossouw inside the powerplay. Kusal Mendis (36 off 22) and Faheem Ashraf (43 off 27) then revived the Gladiators with a gritty 59-run stand. Faheem’s explosive knock, featuring four sixes, lifted Quetta to a seemingly below-par 142. His contribution, initially appearing futile, ultimately laid the groundwork for a historic defensive effort.
The Gladiators’ fielding mirrored their bowling intensity, with sharp catches and relentless energy sealing their thrilling comeback. The win not only earned Quetta two vital points but also underscored their resilience in a tournament marked by rising stakes and unpredictable turns.
