LAHORE: Hasan Ali’s lethal pace bowling, combined with an all-round masterclass from Moeen Ali and a fiery innings from captain David Warner, propelled Karachi Kings to a thrilling 14-run victory over Quetta Gladiators in their HBL Pakistan Super League clash at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday night.
Chasing 182 for victory, Gladiators started aggressively with openers Shamyl Hussain and captain Saud Shakeel putting together a 79-run powerplay stand in just seven overs. Hussain’s explosive 52 off 24 balls, featuring four sixes and five fours, gave Gladiators early momentum, while Shakeel added a steady 33. However, the middle overs saw the batting lineup collapse under sustained pressure from the Kings’ bowlers, reducing the visitors to 95-3 at the halfway stage.
Hasan Ali then turned the game on its head with a brilliant spell of 4-27. His late over heroics, including a penultimate-over triple strike dismissing Hasan Nawaz, Tom Curran, and tailender Ahmed Daniyal, sealed Gladiators’ fate despite a late cameo from Ben McDermott (25* off 13). Spin partners Moeen Ali (1-26), Adam Zampa (1-26), and Salman Ali Agha (1-10 off two overs) kept the pressure high, denying Gladiators any meaningful recovery.
Earlier, Karachi Kings posted a competitive 181-7, thanks largely to Warner’s belligerent 35 off 22 balls and Moeen Ali’s 48 not out off 29 deliveries. The pair counter-attacked early in the innings after Kings lost opener Waseem to Alzarri Joseph’s first-over strike. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Ali’s late onslaught—including four fours and three sixes—helped Kings post a fighting total that ultimately proved just enough to claim victory.
Spin bowler Abrar Ahmed picked up three wickets for 36 runs, while Joseph finished with 2-32. Off-spinner Usman Tariq and Abrar each claimed a wicket, highlighting the Gladiators’ inability to handle Kings’ varied bowling attack.
The win boosts Karachi Kings’ campaign in the PSL, showcasing a balanced team performance combining sharp bowling, aggressive batting, and clutch all-round contributions that kept them ahead in a tense encounter.