Published: Feb 24, 2017, 01:12 AM (IST)
Edited: Feb 24, 2017, 04:33 AM (IST)
Karachi Kings took on Quetta Gladiators in match No. 15 of the ongoing second edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2017. Winning the toss at Dubai International Stadium, Gladiators decided to put Kings into bat. Chasing 155 runs to win, Ahmed Shehzad and Asad Shafiq gave their side a solid star, adding 105 runs together. Despite a flurry of wickets in the middle of the innings, Sarfraz Ahmed ensured his side does not end up losing another game. Gladiators prevailed over Kings, taking the match by 6 wickets and thus, retaining their top spot in the PSL 2017 points table. PSL 2017: Points table & team standings
Kings, skipper Kumar Sangakkara, looked a bit baffled opting for 4 changes in the first 5 overs as Gladiators openers went on a rampage. Shafiq looked in sublime touch, flicking and manoeuvring the ball like an artist. He did not blink an eye after being dropped on 21, hitting Mohammad Aamer for back-to-back boundaries. The pair notched up their 50 run stand in just 38 balls. Soon, Shehzad got into his groove, smashing Usama Mir for 22 runs via 2 sixes and as many fours in the over. The pair also recorded the highest ever first wicket stand in the history of PSL; on the score of 94.
Shehzad, notched up his 27th T20 half-century in 34 balls that included 4 fours and 3 sixes. He could not add much, departing on 54 off Sohail Khan. Soon, Shafiq reached his 50, that too with a six. Gladiators’ No.3 batsmen Kevin Pietersen was run out for duck, without even facing a ball; to a bullet throw by Imad Wasim. Sohail, soon claimed yet another victim in the same over over as Shafiq holed out to Mohammad Aamer for 51. PSL 2017: Akhtar blames PCB of saving Sharjeel, Latif from imprisonment
Skipper Sarfraz ensured there were no heartbreaks for Gladiators as they reached the target of 155 runs with ease after Rilee Rossouw departed for 15. Joined by Mahmudullah in the middle, Sarfraz saw their team home with an over to spare, as his side won the tie by 6 wickets. Both remained unbeaten on 19 and 8 runs respectively.
For, Kings Sohail was the star bowler picking 2 for 28, while Usama picked just 1.
Earlier in the evening, Kings’ Babar Azam and Sangakkara stamped their authority on Tymal Mills and Mir Hamza, whipping them for boundaries at will. While Babar took the ground route, Sangakkara opted for the aerial pathway. The pair added 50 runs for their side in the power play itself. Sangakkara looking to go over the top, missed a off-spin delivery completely and got stumped for 28 by Sarfraz off Mahmudullah.
Chris Gayle, who was having a poor time in the tournament, could not do much. He slowed down this Kings run-rate considerably from the start. Babar shackled at the other end, gave his wicket away in an attempt to cut-loose. He holed out to a super catch by Hassaan Khan at deep square off Mahmudullah. He moved on to nab his third wicket in the form of Shoaib Malik, who went for a 9-ball 9. PSL fixing row: Did nothing that would malign PAK, says Sharjeel
Gayle and Pollard finally launched an attack, taking Hamza for 16 runs in his third over; the only over they looked dangerous. Gayle’s painful innings came to an end on 29, as Anwar Ali got him caught at deep midwicket.
Ravi Bopara came out in the middle with hopes of scoring quick runs, ended up making just 1 before becoming Ali’s second scalp. Pollard finally broke the chains in the final over hitting 14 runs off 3 balls. His innings came to an end on 31. Imad Wasim managed to hit the last ball for a six, which meant Kings somehow reached 154 runs on the board for loss of 6 wickets.
Kings retained their same playing XI from the last game, while Gladiators brought in Shafiq, Hamza and Mills in their playing XI for Saad Nasim, Zulfiqar Babar and Thisara Perera.
Brief score:
Karachi Kings 154 for 6 (Babar Azam 36, Kieron Pollard 31; Mahmudullah 3 for 21) lost to Quetta Gladiators 158 for 4 (Ahmed Shehzad 54, Asad Shafiq 51; Sohail Khan 2 for 28) by 6 wickets.
