The HBL Pakistan Super League delivered another unforgettable night at the Gaddafi Stadium as Quetta Gladiators stunned Karachi Kings with a thrilling five-run victory. In a game that Kings seemed to have under complete control until the halfway mark, Gladiatorsâ fighting spirit and strategic brilliance flipped the script to produce one of the season’s biggest upsets.
Karachi Kings were cruising at 82-2 after 10 overs, needing just a run-a-ball with eight wickets in hand to chase down Quettaâs modest 142. However, a dramatic collapse initiated by Tim Seifertâs dismissal turned the tide completely. Seifert, who had set the platform with some clean striking, miscued a big shot off Mohammad Wasim, falling into the safe hands of Rilee Rossouw at long-on. From there, Quetta’s bowlers, led by Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shahzad, and Wasim himself, dismantled the Kingsâ middle and lower order.
The next five wickets tumbled in just 33 balls. Shan Masood edged behind off Khurram, Khushdil Shah fell to a sharp catch by captain Saud Shakeel at slip, and the Kings’ backbone crumbled. Even though Mohammad Nabi showed glimpses of resistance, he was soon undone by a returning Mohammad Amir. Khurram and Wasim wrapped up critical wickets in the death overs before Faheem Ashraf bowled a sensational final over, restricting Kings to 137-8 â five agonizing runs short.
Earlier, Gladiatorsâ innings was a rollercoaster. Sent in to bat, they were rocked early by Hasan Aliâs fiery spell, losing Saud Shakeel and Finn Allen within the first two overs. Rossouw tried to counterattack but perished too, leaving Quetta wobbling at 29-3. Kusal Mendis injected some calmness with his 36 off 22 balls, playing some gorgeous shots, yet his departure to Abbas Afridi left Quetta vulnerable once again.
The innings found new life when Faheem Ashraf arrived at the crease. His attacking 43 off 27 deliveries, featuring four boundaries and three towering sixes, breathed life into the innings. His 59-run partnership with Hasan Nawaz was crucial in pushing Quetta towards a fighting total. Faheem targeted Hasan Ali and Abbas Afridi for some lusty blows, bringing much-needed acceleration in the final overs.
Despite a late flurry of wickets, including a stunning one-handed catch by Seifert to dismiss Faheem, Quetta managed 142 all out in 19.3 overs â a total that, at first glance, seemed below par.
But in T20 cricket, pressure is a fierce weapon. Quettaâs bowlers capitalized on every mistake Kings made once the chase entered the critical phase. Their energy on the field, smart bowling changes by Saud Shakeel, and superb catching turned a seemingly lost match into a memorable win.
This victory, only their second of the season, keeps Quettaâs playoff hopes alive and delivers a big dent to Karachi Kings’ campaign, who missed a golden opportunity to consolidate their second spot on the table.
In a match that had everything â early wickets, a middle-overs fightback, and a nerve-wracking finish â it was ultimately Quetta Gladiatorsâ grit and heart that stole the night in Lahore.
