Karachi Kings Comfortably Get a Much-Needed Win Over Quetta Gladiators

Muhammad Waqas

Quetta Gladiators: 118 (19.1) | Shakeel 33(28), Nafay 17(15) | Hasan 4/15, Zahid 2/25

Karachi Kings: 121/3(15.3) | Seifert 49(31), Malik 27*(20) | Amir 1/23, Abrar 1/24 

Karachi Kings secured their third victory in HBL Pakistan Super League 9 in a dominant fashion, defeating Quetta Gladiators by seven wickets.

Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Karachi Kings’ decision proved fruitful as their bowlers put a staller performance. Shoaib Malik opened the bowling attack but faced some resistance from Jason Roy, who managed to strike two boundaries in the first over. However, Blessing Muzarabani, in the third over, provided Kings with the crucial breakthrough by removing Roy for a brisk 15 runs. Following Roy’s departure, Saud Shakeel and Khawaja Nafay attempted to stabilize the innings with a 47-run partnership, but Hasan Ali’s double-wicket over broke their momentum.

The Gladiators struggled to build a significant partnership thereafter, with wickets tumbling at the regular intervals. Hasan Ali’s exceptional bowling display, ably supported by contributions from the rest of the Kings’ bowlers, limited Gladiators to a below-par total of 118 runs.

For Karachi Kings, Hasan Ali finished with the figures 4/15 (4), Zahid Mahmood 2/25 (4), and Blessing Muzarabani with 2/27 (4). While Mir Hamza took one wicket for 25 runs.

In the chase, Karachi Kings faced an early blow as captain Shan Masood   departed early, caught behind off Mohammad Amir’s bowling. However, Tim Seifert and James Vince formed a solid partnership, steering the innings back on track with some aggressive stroke play. Seifert, in particular, showcased his prowess with the bat, notching up crucial boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Despite losing Vince in the ninth over, Seifert continued to dominate, receiving valuable support from Shoaib Malik. Seifert fell just short of a well-deserved half-century, departing for 49 runs off 31 balls.

Nonetheless, Shoaib Malik’s composed knock of an unbeaten 27 runs ensured Karachi King gone home with 27 balls to spare.

For Quetta Gladiators, Akeal Hosein, Mohammad Amir and Abrar Ahmed took one wicket each.

Hasan Ali got player of the match award for his brilliant bowling spell of 4/15.