Karachi, February 29, 2024 – In a nail-biting encounter at the National Stadium Karachi, Quetta Gladiators emerged victorious on the last ball against Karachi Kings in the 16th match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 9 on Thursday.
Having won the toss, Quetta Gladiators opted to field first, putting Karachi Kings to bat. Karachi Kings posted a competitive total of 165 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs. James Vince played a crucial innings, contributing 37 runs in 25 balls, while Mohammad Nawaz and Anwar Ali added 28 and an unbeaten 25 runs, respectively.
The bowlers of Quetta Gladiators displayed exceptional skills, with Abrar Ahmed leading the attack by claiming three wickets for 31 runs in his four-over spell. Usman Tariq and Akeal Hosein also contributed significantly, taking two wickets each within their 4-over quota.
As the second innings unfolded, Quetta Gladiators faced a challenging task of chasing down the target of 166 runs set by Karachi Kings. In a thrilling turn of events, the Gladiators managed to achieve the target by making 169 runs for the loss of five wickets on the last ball of their 20 overs.
Sherfane Rutherford emerged as the hero for Quetta Gladiators, playing an unbeaten knock of 58 runs in just 31 balls. Jason Roy and Saud Shakeel also made valuable contributions, sharing a partnership of 52 and 24 runs, respectively.
In the bowling department, Zahid Mahmood of Karachi Kings took two wickets for 17 runs in his four-over spell, providing some resistance. Hasan Ali also bagged two wickets for 39 runs in his quota of four overs. Shoaib Malik chipped in with a wicket, conceding 19 runs in his three-over spell.
The match showcased the intense competition and the never-say-die spirit of both teams. The fans at the National Stadium Karachi were treated to an electrifying display of cricket, with the last-ball victory for Quetta Gladiators adding an extra layer of drama to the PSL 9.
The thrilling encounter will undoubtedly go down as one of the highlights of this season, leaving fans eagerly anticipating more exciting clashes in the ongoing Pakistan Super League. Quetta Gladiators’ last-ball triumph against Karachi Kings will be remembered as a testament to their resilience and determination in the pursuit of victory.
