Gladiators Pull Off Stunning Defense to Edge Kings by 5 Runs in PSL Thriller

Gladiators Pull Off Stunning Defense to Edge Kings by 5 Runs in PSL Thriller

In one of the most dramatic turnarounds of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 season, Quetta Gladiators pulled off a sensational five-run victory over Karachi Kings at the Gaddafi Stadium, defending a modest total of 142 — the lowest total ever successfully defended at the venue in PSL history.

At 75 for 1 in just eight overs, the Kings looked to be cruising in their chase of 143. But a disciplined and fiery second-half performance from the Gladiators' bowlers turned the tide, as Karachi collapsed under pressure, losing momentum and wickets at regular intervals to finish at 137 for 8.

Tim Seifert gave Karachi a blazing start after Mohammad Amir dismissed David Warner in the first over. Alongside James Vince, Seifert powered Kings to a dominant position. Seifert even plundered 19 runs off an over from Faheem Ashraf, and the required run rate dipped comfortably under control.

But the game shifted dramatically when Saud Shakeel introduced himself into the attack and immediately struck with the wicket of Vince. From there, Karachi’s innings lost shape. Shan Masood endured a painful 17-ball stay for just 9 runs, and Seifert soon followed, holing out off Mohammad Wasim.

Spinner Abrar Ahmed tightened the screws further with a miserly four-over spell, giving away just 15 runs and picking up the crucial wicket of Khushdil Shah with a sharp googly. As the pressure mounted, Karachi’s middle and lower order failed to respond.

Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Amir returned to dismantle the tail — Amir bouncing out Mohammad Nabi, and Shahzad trapping Abbas Afridi LBW. Though Hasan Ali fought with some late hitting, the Kings had lost too much ground, and the Gladiators sealed a remarkable win.

Earlier, Quetta Gladiators themselves had battled hard to reach 142 after being put in to bat. Hasan Ali was devastating with the ball early, removing both openers — Finn Allen and Saud Shakeel — in the space of four deliveries and later dismissing Rilee Rossouw.

Kusal Mendis played a quickfire knock of 36 off 22, but consistent wickets kept pegging Quetta back. It was the late resistance from Hasan Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf — who smashed 43 off 27 balls — that pushed the total past 140, giving their bowlers just enough to defend.

What looked like a likely defeat turned into a stunning victory, and Gladiators walked away with two vital points, keeping their playoff hopes alive in dramatic fashion.

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