KARACHI: Quetta Gladiators made an impressive comeback on Saturday by sealing their first victory in the 8th Pakistan Super League (PSL) edition by six runs after Karachi Kings managed to restrict them to 168 for seven on a batting wicket.
After suffering two back-to-back PSL defeats, the Kings looked satisfied by their performance in the first 20 overs and sent their top batters in to set the pace of the innings. However, much like the Gladiators, they lost two early wickets after Sharjeel Khan and Haider Ali were dismissed in the first two overs without making a run.
James Vince (22 off 14) and Shoaib Malik (71 off 49) tried to retrieve control of the situation, but the Kings lost their fourth wicket on 35 when Naseem Shah sent Vince back to the pavilion.
Karachi could not properly pace their innings and only managed to score 162 at a loss of five wickets at the end of the last 20 overs.
Malik was the top scorer for the squad who stayed on the crease till the end.
At the outset of the match, Karachi skipper Imad Wasim got rid of Jason Roy and Abdul Bangalzai in the very first over without allowing them to score.
The situation did not deter opener Martin Guptill who stayed on the crease until the last over before he was caught by Irfan Khan on Aamer Yamin’s delivery.
Guptill was the most successful Quetta batter who kept the scoreboard ticking and made 117 off 67 bowls.
His contribution helped the Gladiators set a 169-run target when most Quetta batters could not even reach double figures.
Iftikhar Ahmed was the only other player who scored 32 off 27 deliveries.
Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) dismissed security concerns about the match after a militant attack on a police compound in the country’s southern port city of Karachi on Friday.
PCB Chairman Najam Sethi described the incident as “an isolated one which was unrelated to cricket.”
He added that the board had been working “very closely with all stakeholders,” including local and foreign security experts, who had given assurances and comfort that the event could proceed since there was no threat to cricket.
“The PCB takes the safety and security of all those involved in the HBL PSL 8 very seriously,” Sethi said. “To ensure no stone is left unturned, presidential-level security has been provided to the teams and officials.”
He further said the “unprecedented arrangements” were similar to ones in place for international matches that had been highly praised and appreciated by the visiting teams and officials.
“The PCB remains committed to providing complete safety and security to all the participants and, as always, will continue to work very closely with the security experts and law enforcing agencies to ensure the players and officials are comfortable and being well looked after so that they can enjoy their stay in Pakistan and continue to entertain the fans and followers with their cricketing skills and talent.”
The Kings had a rough start to the tournament with two consecutive defeats. On February 14, Peshawar Zalmi beat them by two runs while prior to that Islamabad United claimed victory by four wickets.
The Gladiators lost the very first game of the tournament to Multan Sultans on February 15. Saturday’s match was the tournament’s second game for them.
Karachi is also set to host three PSL matches in a row on Saturday (today), Sunday, and Monday. The last match will be played in the city on February 26.
