By Alam Zeb Safi
LAHORE: A clinical bowling display led by Hasan Ali powered Karachi Kings to a hard-fought 14-run victory over Quetta Gladiators in the second match of the HBL PSL 11 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.
Defending 181, Karachi held their composure in a fluctuating contest as Hasan Ali ripped through the middle and lower order to finish with 4-27, halting Quetta’s promising chase at 167-7.
Earlier, a fluent unbeaten 48 from Moeen Ali and brisk contribution from captain David Warner helped Karachi post a competitive 181 for 7 after being sent in to bat.
Quetta made a blistering start, in reply, with Shamyl Hussain, who recently made his ODI debut against Bangladesh, smashing 52 off just 24 balls, including four sixes, as Gladiators surged to 79 without loss inside eight overs. Shamyl’s fifty came off just 21 balls. Skipper Saud Shakeel provided stability with a solid 33, and the pair looked set to chase down the target comfortably.
However, the introduction of spin and disciplined pace bowling shifted momentum in favour of Kings. The premier spinner Adam Zampa broke through while tidy Moeen Ali chipped in with a key wicket of Saud Shakeel to derail the chase.
The decisive blow came in the death overs as Hasan Ali removed Rilee Rossouw (25), Tom Curran (0) and two others in quick succession, leaving Quetta needing an improbable finish despite a late unbeaten cameo from Ben McDermott (25 not out).
Karachi’s innings had earlier been anchored by Moeen Ali (48 not out off 29 balls) after a mixed start. Warner struck 35 off 22 balls while Salman Agha and Saad Baig added useful runs in the powerplay. Despite regular wickets, Moeen’s late acceleration, featuring three sixes, lifted Karachi past the 180 mark.
Quetta’s bowlers were led by Ahmed Daniyal, who claimed three wickets, while Alzarri Joseph and Abrar Ahmed chipped in with crucial strikes.
With this victory, Karachi Kings opened their campaign with two points while Quetta Gladiators were left searching for answers after failing to capitalise on a strong start.
Tomorrow (Saturday) will be the first double header of the eight-team marquee event with Peshawar Zalmi to face Rawalpindi Pindiz at 2:30pm and Islamabad United to lock horns with Multan Sultans at 7pm.
Summarised scores
Karachi Kings 181/7 (20 overs)
(Moeen Ali 48*; David Warner 35; Ahmed Daniyal 3-36)
Quetta Gladiators 167/7 (20 overs)
(Shamyl Hussain 52; Saud Shakeel 33; Hasan Ali 4-27)
Result: Karachi Kings won by 14 runs
Player of the Match: Moeen Ali
