Martin Guptill’s (86 not out) heroics kept Quetta Gladiators’ faint HBL Pakistan Super League hopes alive, whilst Karachi Kings’ 2023 season seemed to be all but over after Monday’s enthralling encounter at the Pindi Stadium.
On the last delivery of the match, Gladiators reached their victory goal of 165 runs due to Guptill’s aggressive batting performance. At the beginning of the 17th over, it seemed as though the Gladiators would not be able to reach their unlikely objective of 57 runs. As a result of Guptil’s spectacular batting performance, they crossed the finish line once again.
Stunning Guptill knock keeps Gladiators alive
Guptill’s century helped Gladiators defeat Karachi Kings in the first leg, and he remained in the lead throughout the match. During his undefeated 56-ball innings, the New Zealander hit nine boundaries and four majestic sixes to rescue his club. He got off to a sluggish start but gained momentum in the last four overs. James Fuller’s fourth over, in which he allowed 24 runs, provided Quetta with new opportunities.
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The slow-moving Gladiators needed more than 12 runs per over in the last six overs when half of their squad had already returned to the bench. Iftikhar Ahmad (4), Najibullah Zadran (1), and Umar Akmal (9) were the middle-order failures for Quetta, which never seemed to be in a dangerous position throughout the first half of the match.
In the 17th over, Guptill was the sole chance for the Gladiators. When the New Zealander smacked Mohammad Aamir for a leg-side six and then replicated the same against Fuller two balls later, followed by a boundary, he was credited with a six. Guptill scored 24 runs off Fuller’s identical over to swing the game in Gladiators’ favor.
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The hard-hitting Guptill capitalized on every scoring chance with pinpoint accuracy. Even Amir (0-37) was unable to make an impact on Guptill, who was virtually playing with Karachi’s assault in the 17th over. Sarafraz Ahmad (29) also offered him excellent company, ensuring that the explosive Guptill remains in high gear from the opposite end.
As soon as Tabraiz Shamsi’s (2-20) quota was met and Imad Wasim’s (1-6) injury forced him to leave the field after only one over, Gladiators’ task became easier. After being given the opportunity to bat first, Karachi Kings scored a respectable 164 for 6 in 20 overs. Another solid inning by Adam Rossington (69) and Imad Wasim (30 not out) dominated the innings.
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Mathew Wade (0) was caught by Naseem Shah (2-31) on the very first ball of the Kings’ innings, igniting tremendous drama. Wade was unable to escape a sizzling delivery from Shah, which was caught by goalkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmad. Tayyab Tahir (7) and Qasim Akram (8) were unable to last long at the crease.
When the aged and weary-looking Shoaib Malik (13) was dismissed, the situation deteriorated for Karachi Kings. Imad once again rose to the occasion, as he has throughout the PSL 8 season. Along with Rossington, he initiated the re-establishment of King’s innings by executing several strong strokes.
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Rossington’s leg side six from an orthodox stance at 144 kilometers per hour Naseem Shah’s speech was delightful to see. Together, they scored 46 runs for the fifth wicket to ensure that the Karachi Kings would surpass 160 runs.
During his 45-ball knock, Rossington hit 10 fours and one six. He was dismissed by a combination of Afghan players, with Naveenul Haq (1-43) claiming the lone wicket of the day. Imad’s unbroken stroke of 20 balls included three fours and one six.
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Aamer Yamin’s (23 not out) 11-ball undefeated stand at the wickets, during which he hit two huge sixes and one four with a long handle, provided the innings a significant boost. Aimal Khan, who showed some firepower, was the most outstanding bowler for the Gladiators, taking 2 for 26. Quetta has won four of its last eight matches, while Karachi has won four of its last nine.
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