Gladiators Suffer Second PSL 10 Loss

KARACHI: Following a 56-run defeat to Karachi Kings at the National Bank Cricket Stadium on Friday, Quetta Gladiators captain Saud Shakeel voiced his disappointment, marking their second loss in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

In the post-game press briefing, Shakeel reflected on the setback, acknowledging that the pitch’s nature and quick loss of wickets made it too difficult for his team to recover.

Saud stated, “The pitch played slower, and Karachi Kings exploited the conditions effectively with their bowling. It was a day to forget for us. Losing five wickets early in the innings makes any comeback nearly impossible.”

He further pointed out areas needing improvement within the team.

“Our fielding and powerplay batting need improvement. We must concentrate on upcoming matches and strategize more effectively,” he added.

Led by David Warner, Karachi Kings clinched their second tournament victory, triumphing over the Gladiators by 56 runs with a strong all-around display.

Electing to bat first, the Kings’ opening pair, Tim Seifert and captain David Warner, established a firm foundation, accumulating 50 runs during the initial powerplay overs.

A 34-run partnership between James Vince and Irfan Khan provided stability to the innings, although Irfan’s dismissal for 17 by Sean Abbott left the score at 125-5 after 15.1 overs.

Vince played a pivotal role, anchoring the innings with a vital 70-run contribution, marking his second half-century in the competition, while Mohammad Nabi added 18 runs.

Despite Mohammad Amir’s late effort, claiming two wickets in the final over, the Kings concluded their innings at 175-7. Amir and Ali Majid each secured two wickets for the Gladiators.

In pursuit of a 176-run target, the Gladiators’ batting lineup faltered early. The innings faced an immediate setback when Mir Hamza removed Finn Allen for just six runs in the opening over, positioning the Gladiators at 8-1 after just 0.5 overs.

Kusal Mendis and Saud Shakeel briefly attempted to stabilize the innings, but their partnership was short-lived. Mendis was dismissed for 12 runs off eight deliveries, leaving the Gladiators at 34-3 after 3.5 overs.

As pressure mounted, the Gladiators continued to lose wickets. Hasan Ali claimed his second wicket by dismissing Khawaja Nafay for a mere one run.

The situation worsened as Abbas Afridi struck, removing Faheem Ashraf for only three runs, leaving the Gladiators struggling at 47-6 after nine overs.

Following the strategic timeout, Afridi continued his impressive bowling, dismissing Sean Abbott for just three runs, placing the Gladiators at 57-7 in 11.4 overs.

A brief 43-run partnership between Mohammad Amir and Saud Shakeel for the eighth wicket offered a glimmer of hope for the Gladiators.

Hasan Ali secured three wickets, dismissing Abrar Ahmed for only five runs, leaving the Gladiators at 110-9 in 18.4 overs.

Ultimately, the Gladiators were bowled out for 119-9, with opener Saud Shakeel remaining unbeaten on 33, and Ali Majid contributing nine runs.