KARACHI: Karachi Kings secured a commanding 56-run victory over Quetta Gladiators in the eighth fixture of HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at National Bank Stadium on Friday.
Chasing a challenging target of 176, Quetta Gladiators crumbled under pressure and could only manage to score 119 for the loss of nine wickets in their 20 overs.
Karachi Kings bowlers struck on regular intervals, leaving Quetta reeling at 37 for 5 inside six overs— a collapse they never recovered from.
Quetta Gladiators’ skipper Saud remained unbeaten on 33 off 40 balls, striking three fours.
For Karachi Kings, Hasan Ali emerged as the standout bowler, claiming three wickets for 27 runs in his four overs. Mohammad Nabi also contributed significantly, taking two wickets while conceding just seven runs in his four overs.
James Vince was awarded ‘Player of the Match’ for the second time in the PSL 10, for his brilliant batting display,
Earlier, after opting to bat, Karachi Kings posted 175 for the loss of seven wickets in their allocated 20 overs.
The Kings capitalized on the decision early, posting a score of 60 runs in 5.4 overs. Skipper David Warner and Tim Seifert led the charge with aggressive batting. Their partnership ended with the dismissal of Warner.
David Warner struck five fours on his way to a well-made 31 off 20 deliveries. After failing to contain the Kings’ batters in the early overs, the Gladiators struck once the spinners were introduced.
Seifert was also dismissed in the sixth over, thanks to a peach of a delivery from Saud Shakeel. Karachi Kings failed to capitalize on a good start and lost wickets at regular intervals.
Young batter Muhammad Riazullah (6), Khushdil Shah (1) went in quick succession, courtesy of fine bowling from mystery spinner Ali Majid.
However, James Vince remained firm on one end and went on to score his second-half century of the season. He forged a 34-run partnership with Irfan Khan. Irfan was dismissed on 17 off 12 balls, hitting one six.
In the last phase of the innings, Mohammad Nabi combined with Vince and added a 49-run partnership in quick time. Nabi’s cameo ended on the score of 18. His brisk knock included two sixes.
James Vince remained till the end and was dismissed on the penultimate ball of the innings, ensuring that the Kings reached a challenging total.
He top-scored with 70 off 47 deliveries, laced with six fours and one six.
For Quetta Gladiators, Ali Majid was the pick of the bowlers, taking two wickets for 29 in his four overs. Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed, and Saud Shakeel bagged one wicket each.
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