ISLAMABAD: Quetta Gladiators pulled off a remarkable victory at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, successfully defending a modest total of 142 to overcome Karachi Kings in a thrilling encounter. The Gladiators’ bowlers staged a spirited fightback, dismantling Karachi’s batting order with relentless pressure and key breakthroughs.
Karachi’s chase began with early promise but soon unravelled, thanks to a disciplined and aggressive bowling display from Quetta. After a quiet start, Tim Seifert injected some momentum into the innings with a powerful six over midwicket off Khurram Shahzad, going on to play a lively knock of 47 from 26 deliveries.
However, his dismissal—caught by Rilee Rossouw at long-on after mistiming a lofted shot—marked the beginning of Karachi’s downfall.
James Vince looked composed during his 30 off 29 balls but was eventually undone by Saud Shakeel, who took a sharp catch at extra cover to remove the Englishman.
Quetta Gladiators winning moments. What a comeback! #HBLPSLX I #ApnaXHai I #QGvKK pic.twitter.com/dW2Z52yKnf
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 25, 2025
Earlier, Vince had survived a nervy moment when he was initially given out LBW to leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, only to be reprieved on review as the ball was shown to be missing leg stump.
Shifting momentum
Abrar Ahmed then struck decisively just before the drinks break, producing a delivery that turned sharply away to find the edge of Khushdil Shah’s bat, which was safely pouched at slip by Shakeel.
The momentum had now fully shifted in favour of the Gladiators.
Mohammad Amir further turned the screw with a short-pitched delivery that had Mohammad Nabi caught at fine leg, while Khurram Shahzad continued to impress, removing Abbas Afridi LBW after a successful review, bringing up his second wicket of the innings.
Mohammad Wasim also held his nerve in a pressure-filled spell, trapping Omair Yousuf leg-before, again on review, to claim his second scalp.
Hasan Ali attempted to anchor the tail with a boundary and a couple of singles, but the ever-climbing required rate left Karachi with too much to do in the end.
Hasan Ali goes big and it’s a SIXER 🙌🏻#HBLPSLX I #ApnaXHai I #QGvKK pic.twitter.com/vHQL3xRBbh
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 25, 2025
Earlier in the innings, Shan Masood had fallen cheaply, scoring just 9 off 17 balls before being dismissed by a stunning one-handed diving catch by Kusal Mendis off Khurram Shahzad, exemplifying Quetta’s sharp fielding throughout the contest.
Quetta’s remarkable defence of a low total was a testament to their resilience and tactical discipline, as they kept chipping away at Karachi’s line-up, never allowing any partnership to settle. It was a memorable evening for the Gladiators, who turned the match on its head with a bowling performance full of grit and guile.
