Joe Clarke struck 46 runs to lay down a solid foundation for Karachi Kings in run-chase against Quetta Gladiators in Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 6’s opener.
Mohammad Nabi finished the job well for the defending champions by scoring 30 runs off 14 balls with the help of two boundaries and three sixes.
Earlier, Arshad Iqbal bowled exceptionally well for Kings as they bowled out Gladiators for mere 121.
Iqbal just gave 16 runs in his four overs and took three wickets to help his team dominate in the first half of the game after an exciting opening ceremony.
Sent into bat first, Gladiators lost their opener Tom Banton and Sarfaraz Ahmed quickly for just 17 runs. Promoted up the order, Sarfraz managed to score just runs before falling to Aamer Yamin behind the stumps. Banton made just 5 runs.
Chris Gayle was the sole energy in Gladiators’ camp as the left-handed batsman kept the scoreboard ticking. Gayle struck four boundaries and two sixes to score 39 runs. Azam Khan fought well but managed to score just 17 runs.
Apart from Iqbal, Waqas Maqsood bagged two wickets while Imad Wasim, Daniel Christian, Mohammad Amir, and Aamer shared a wicket apiece.
In reply, Kings lost Sharjeel Khan earlier for just 4 runs but Clarke steered the show with his power-hitting on his PSL debut. He added 55 runs together with Babar Azam who managed to score 24 laced with three boundaries.
Colin Ingram (17*) and Nabi put up a match-finishing 35-run partnership for the winning side.
For Gladiators, Mohammad Hasnain bagged two wickets while Usman Shinwari took a wicket.
Emerging star Arshad for his brilliant performances claimed player of the match award.
