Gladiators, Toreros and Races, Para Defenders 142

Gladiators’ Bowlers Turn the Tide: A Historic Win Over Karachi Kings

In a thrilling PSL encounter at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Quetta Gladiators pulled off an extraordinary comeback to defend a modest 142, defeating Karachi Kings by just five runs. This victory set a new record, making it the lowest total ever defended at this venue in PSL history.

The match began with Karachi Kings in full control. Chasing 142, they raced to 75 for 1 within just eight overs, with Tim Seifert leading the charge alongside James Vince. Seifert looked unstoppable, hammering 19 runs off a single over from Faheem Ashraf, while Vince tore into the bowlers with ease.

But cricket is uncertain—and Quetta Gladiators proved just that.

Collapse of Karachi Kings: The Turning Point

The momentum shifted dramatically when Saud Shakeel introduced himself into the attack. He immediately dismissed Vince and applied brakes on the scoring rate. The pressure mounted as incoming batsmen struggled; Shan Masood scratched his way to 9 off 17 balls, while Seifert departed soon after, falling to Mohammad Wasim.

The real magic, however, came from Abrar Ahmed. His mesmerizing spell of spin bowling dismantled the middle order. He conceded just 15 runs in four overs and snatched a crucial wicket with a classic googly.

With the scoreboard pressure mounting and the asking rate climbing past eight an over, Karachi Kings’ batting fell apart.

A Final Push, But No Miracle

Even late heroics from Hasan Ali, who swung wildly in the final overs, couldn’t rescue Karachi. Mohammad Amir tried to steady things but was bounced out, and Abbas Afridi was trapped lbw by Khurram Shahzad.

Gladiators’ discipline in the field and sharp catching ensured no late twist. They sealed the game, earning two crucial points in their PSL campaign.

Setting Up the Victory: Faheem’s Firepower

Earlier, batting first, Gladiators faced a fiery spell from Hasan Ali, who removed both openers—Finn Allen and Saud Shakeel—within the powerplay. The wickets kept tumbling, and Quetta looked in deep trouble at 63 for 5.

But Faheem Ashraf, with a counter-attacking 43 off 27 balls, breathed life into the innings. Supported briefly by Hasan Nawaz, he pushed the total just past the 140 mark—a score that initially seemed below par but turned out to be just enough.

Faheem’s innings, once thought to be a valiant effort in a losing cause, became the cornerstone of a historic victory.

Final Words

Quetta Gladiators’ win was a reminder that cricket matches are never truly over until the last ball is bowled. Their comeback showcased resilience, smart bowling changes, intense fielding, and, above all, unshakable belief.

With this victory, the Gladiators have made a bold statement in PSL 2025 — underestimate them at your peril.