Karachi Kings beat Quetta Gladiators by 56 runs

KARACHI: David Warner’s Karachi Kings secured their second victory of PSL 10 in emphatic fashion, outclassing Quetta Gladiators by 56 runs at the National Bank Stadium, thanks to a superb all-round team effort.

Chasing a target of 176, the Gladiators faltered early and never recovered, eventually crawling to 119-9. The slide began in the very first over when Mir Hamza removed Finn Allen for just six, leaving Quetta wobbling at 8-1.

The trouble deepened in the next over as Hasan Ali sent Hassan Nawaz packing for a single. With that scalp, Hasan became the highest wicket-taker in PSL history, reaching a landmark 114 wickets.

Kusal Mendis and Saud Shakeel tried to stabilize the innings but Mendis fell for 12 off 8, with the score at 34-3 in just the fourth over. The wickets kept tumbling as Hasan Ali picked up his second, dismissing Khawaja Nafay cheaply.

Mohammad Nabi then bowled a brilliant maiden to end the powerplay and struck soon after by removing the dangerous Rilee Rossouw, leaving Quetta reeling at 37-5 after six.

The collapse continued with Abbas Afridi removing Faheem Ashraf for 3, and then returning post-timeout to dismiss Sean Abbott, making it 57-7.

A glimmer of resistance came through a 43-run stand between Mohammad Amir and Saud Shakeel for the eighth wicket. Amir’s quickfire 30 off 16 gave some late spark, but Aamer Jamal ended the partnership at 100-8.

Hasan Ali capped off his night by grabbing his third, dismissing Abrar Ahmed, as Quetta stumbled to 110-9. They eventually ended at 119-9, with Saud Shakeel unbeaten on 33.

For Karachi, Hasan Ali starred with three wickets, while Mohammad Nabi and Abrar Ahmed picked up two apiece.

Earlier, after opting to bat first, openers Tim Seifert and David Warner gave Karachi a flying start, adding 50 in the powerplay. Warner departed for 31 off 20 to Abrar Ahmed, and Seifert followed soon after for 27.

Ali Majid, on debut for Quetta, impressed with quick strikes — removing Muhammad Riazullah and Khushdil Shah — reducing Karachi to 91-4.

A steady 34-run stand between James Vince and Irfan Khan added stability before Irfan fell for 17. Vince anchored the innings with a classy 70 — his second fifty of the season — while Mohammad Nabi chipped in with 18.

Karachi closed at 175-7, despite a double blow from Mohammad Amir in the final over. Amir and Ali Majid finished with two wickets each for Quetta.