Karachi Kings failed to chase the 165-run total set by the Quetta Gladiators in the 22nd match of the eighth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the Pindi Cricket Stadium today, resulting in a four-wicket victory for the Quetta Gladiators.
Martin Guptill posed a significant danger to the Kings after scoring his first PSL century against them in the earlier edition of this season, as he single-handedly won the must-win game for Quetta Gladiators by four wickets.
Quetta Gladiators beats Karachi Kings 2nd time in HBL PSL 8
In pursuit of 165 runs, the Quetta Gladiators’ batting order weakened once again. Omair Bin Yousuf (8) was dismissed in the second over, followed by a string of consecutive dismissals. Iftikhar Ahmed once again failed to score in this year’s PSL as he could only contribute four runs today.
The Quetta Gladiators were 63–5 when Guptill and captain Sarfaraz, who left the field in the first inning after being struck in the finger by a ball, assumed control. Together, the two hitters scored 95 runs, with Guptill contributing the most.
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The unblemished right-handed hitter scored 86 runs as the Gladiators cruised to a crucial win. His booming blow included nine fours and four sixes. Sarfaraz scored 29 out of 25 points in his team’s win.
Tabraiz Shamsi claimed two wickets for the Kings, who are now out of the competition. Aamer Yamin, after making a cameo, struck in his first over to provide the Karachi Kings with an early breakthrough while defending 165 runs.
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Mohammad Musa also grabbed a wicket to assist Aamer in reducing the Quetta Gladiators to 2–237 after five overs. Previously, wicket-keeper batsman, Adam Rossington delivered a match-saving effort for the Kings, allowing them to set the Quetta Gladiators a target of 165 runs in 20 overs.
In a must-win game, the Quetta Gladiators elected to bat first, followed by Naseem Shah’s flawless start. The right-arm bowler dismissed the dangerous Matthew Wade with his first delivery, giving Quetta Gladiators a great start. Wade deflected a pitched-up delivery to no avail.
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In the fourth over, young Aimal Khan, who had made a return, captured Tayyab Tahir to further damage the Kings. Rossington remained optimistic despite his team losing two wickets in short succession during the powerplay. On the power play, he scored 40 runs.
Following the powerplay, Aimal struck again, this time dismissing Tayyab Tahir, who scored just seven runs. In the meanwhile, Rossington continued to score runs. He reached his first fifty off 31 deliveries in the 12th over of the innings.
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He added 19 more runs to his fifty total before being dismissed by Naveen-ul-Haq. His at-bat included ten extra bases and a home run. Imad Wasim, the captain, maintained his form by scoring 30 runs off 20 balls, including three fours and a six. Nonetheless, he had full assistance from all-round bowler Aamer Yamin.
Aamer scored 23 runs off 11 deliveries by smashing two sixes and a four. His swift inning assisted the Kings in accumulating a defendable total. Naseem and Aimal each grabbed two wickets for the Quetta Gladiators, while Mohammad Nawaz and Naveen each took one.
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