Karachi Kings have revitalized their playoff hopes after a stunning 9-wicket win over Quetta Gladiators in the 37th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. The match, played at the Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore, saw Karachi achieve the target of 196 runs in just 18.3 overs. Quetta Gladiators, who batted first, scored 195 runs in the stipulated 20 overs, losing 6 wickets. Rilee Rossouw’s magnificent 90 off 54 balls, featuring 8 fours and 6 sixes, was the highlight of Quetta’s innings, while captain Saud Shakeel scored 57 runs in an aggressive tone. Danushka Gunathilaka also contributed 30 not-out runs.
However, Quetta’s early batsmen, Hussain and Khawaja, were dismissed quickly without making a significant score. Karachi’s Hasan Ali and Abbas Afridi took two wickets each, while Rashid Khan also sent two batsmen back to the pavilion. Karachi started their chase with a stunning opening partnership, where Jason Roy was dismissed on 58, but David Warner and Rizwan Hoodrik’s unbeaten 141-run partnership sealed the deal. Warner scored 89 off 48 balls, while Hoodrik remained not-out on 87 off 48 balls. Quetta’s bowlers, except for Javed Khan, were ineffective against the duo.
Karachi’s victory puts them fourth in the points table, while Quetta’s elimination leaves them out of the playoffs. Karachi will now wait for the results of the matches between Lahore Qalandars-Peshawar Zalmi and Hyderabad Kings-Peshawar Zalmi to confirm their playoff spot. If Lahore wins, Karachi will be eliminated from the playoffs.
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has seen several exciting moments, including Pakistan’s Prime Minister emphasizing the importance of the tournament and the country’s cricket team. In other news, the Asian Beach Games, being held in China, have seen Pakistani sprinters Faiqah Riaz and Sameerullah reach the finals of the 60-meter race. Saud Shakeel, captain of Quetta Gladiators, expressed his disappointment at not having a strong combination this season, which led to their underwhelming performance.
The Pakistan U-16 boys team has departed for the UEFA U-16 Development Tournament in Kazakhstan. Meanwhile, the FIFA has been urged to replace Iran with Italy in the World Cup, following a request from a close friend of US President Donald Trump. Finally, the police have confirmed that the body parts found in a residential area in Bangladesh belong to Naheed Brusty and her friend, Zamil Lemon, who were murdered.
