KARACHI: Mohammad Wasim Jr’s last-ball six propelled Quetta Gladiators to a dramatic six-wicket victory over Lahore Qalandars at Karachi’s National Bank Cricket Stadium on Sunday, securing their place in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9 playoffs.
With this crucial win, Quetta Gladiators have cemented their spot in the PSL 9 playoffs, joining Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, and Islamabad United in the final four.
The match witnessed Lahore Qalandars setting a competitive target of 167 runs for Quetta Gladiators, after opting to bat first. Despite a cautious start, Lahore Qalandars managed to post a competitive total of 166 runs for the loss of four wickets in their allotted twenty overs.
Opener Sahibzada Farhan contributed a valuable 25 runs, forming a steady partnership of 38 runs with Tahir Baig. However, both batsmen fell prey to Abrar Ahmed’s bowling in the sixth over. Abdullah Shafique and Shai Hope then tried to stabilize the innings, but the latter departed after scoring just five runs.
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s aggressive batting alongside Abdullah Shafique propelled Lahore Qalandars to a commanding position. Afridi’s quickfire 55 off 34 balls, complemented by Shafique’s unbeaten 59 off 39 balls, powered Lahore Qalandars to a competitive total.
In response, Quetta Gladiators chased down the target in a nail-biting finish, thanks to an outstanding performance from Saud Shakeel, who scored 88 runs. Mohammad Wasim Jr’s last-ball six sealed the victory for Quetta Gladiators, showcasing nerves of steel in a high-pressure situation.
With this victory, Quetta Gladiators have solidified their position in the PSL 9 playoffs, while Karachi Kings have been eliminated from the tournament, despite having one match left against Peshawar Zalmi.
On the other hand, Lahore Qalandars, who concluded the season at the bottom of the table with only three points, will have to reassess their strategies for the upcoming season.
Quetta Gladiators Playing XI
Jason Roy, Saud Shakeel, Khawaja Nafay, Rilee Rossouw (c), Laurie Evans (wk), Omair Bin Yousuf, Akeal Hosein, Muhammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed Sohail Khan
Lahore Qalandars Playing XI
Sahibzada Farhan, Tahir Baig, Abdullah Shafique, Shai Hope (wk), Sikandar Raza, Shaheen Afridi (c), David Wiese, George Linde, Jahandad Khan, Zaman Khan, and Tayyab Abbas
