2024-03-12 10:34:12
Karachi: Quetta Gladiators has become the fourth team to reach the playoffs of Pakistan Super League. Quetta Gladiators achieved a resounding victory in a thrilling match against Lahore Qalandars at the National Stadium in Karachi last Sunday. Gladiators were chasing a target of 167 runs and needed four runs on the last ball. Mohammad Wasim Junior, who faced only one ball, despite the pressure, faced fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi brilliantly and connected the full toss in the middle of the bat and sent it into the stands. After this there was a wave of happiness in the gladiators camp.
The euphoria of victory from the thrilling match was over the entire team, even Quetta Gladiators’ mentor and great Caribbean batsman Vivian Richards could not control his emotions. He ran onto the field, hugged the players and joined in their joy. Richards has been associated with Gladiators since 2016.
Richards’ arrival in Pakistan before this season was full of doubts, but he joined the team. With this win, Gladiators became the fourth and last team to qualify for the playoffs, with Multan Sultans, Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi having also advanced before them. Unfortunately, Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars are now out of the tournament.
In the match, Lahore Qalandars managed to score 169 runs after losing four wickets due to the batting of Abdullah Shafiq and Shaheen Afridi. Batting at number five, Shaheen showcased his power-hitting abilities and scored a quickfire half-century off just 28 balls. His innings included two fours and four sixes, which created problems for the Gladiators bowlers in the death overs. Abrar Ahmed’s economical spell of 2/31 played a key role in restricting Qalandars to this score.
Gladiators’ chase got off to a blazing start as Jason Roy and Saud Shakeel formed an explosive opening partnership, adding 39 runs in just 5.1 overs. However, with the dismissal of Roy and Riley Rousseau, the pressure on Shakeel in the run chase increased. He brought the team to the brink of victory by scoring unbeaten 88 runs on 65 balls and making important partnerships. Mohammad Wasim Jr. hit the winning shot on the last ball.