In a jaw-dropping Pakistan Super League (PSL) clash, Quetta Gladiators pulled off a near-impossible win by defending a tiny total of 142 runs against Karachi Kings. The match, played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, saw Quetta’s bowlers stage a dramatic comeback after Karachi seemed certain to win.
This victory marks the lowest-ever defended total in PSL history at this venue, proving that even small scores can turn into epic battles with disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.
How the Match Unfolded
1. Quetta’s Rocky Start (First Innings)
- Karachi Kings won the toss and chose to bowl first—a decision that initially seemed perfect.
- Hasan Ali (Karachi’s pacer) destroyed Quetta’s top order, taking 3 quick wickets (including captain Saud Shakeel and Finn Allen).
- At 20/3, Quetta looked in deep trouble, but Kusal Mendis (36 off 22 balls) and Faheem Ashraf (43 off 27) fought back.
- Final Score: 142 all out (low but defendable).
2. Karachi’s Strong Chase Collapses (Second Innings)
- Karachi Kings started strong—Tim Seifert (47 off 26) and James Vince (30 off 29) put them at 75/1 in 8 overs, needing just 68 runs in 72 balls (an easy task in T20 cricket).
- Then, the collapse began:
- Saud Shakeel’s spin removed Vince.
- Abrar Ahmed (Player of the Match) choked the runs (15 runs in 4 overs) and took Khushdil Shah’s wicket.
- Mohammad Wasim Jr, Amir, and Shahzad took crucial wickets.
- Karachi fell short by 5 runs, finishing at 137/8.
FAQs About the Match
Q: What was the turning point in Quetta vs. Karachi PSL match?
A: When Abrar Ahmed bowled a game-changing spell (4 overs, 15 runs), building pressure that led to Karachi’s collapse.
Q: Who was the Player of the Match?
A: Abrar Ahmed for his economical and wicket-taking bowling.
Q: Has any team defended a lower total in PSL history?
A: Yes, but this was the lowest defended total at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Q: Why did Karachi Kings lose despite a strong start?
A: Their middle order collapsed under pressure from Quetta’s bowlers.
Q: What does this win mean for Quetta’s PSL 2025 campaign?
A: It boosts their playoff chances and proves they can win even in tough situations.
