Lahore (Web Desk): Karachi Kings set a target of 182 runs against Quetta Gladiators in the second fixture of Pakistan Super League 11 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, the Kings managed 181 for 7 in their 20 overs, despite none of their batsmen reaching a fifty. The innings began on a wobbly note as right-handed opener Muhammad Waseem was dismissed for a three-ball duck by Alzarri Joseph in the opening over, leaving the team struggling at three runs.
Following this early setback, Salman Ali Agha walked in to join captain David Warner, and the duo added 41 runs for the second wicket. Salman was trapped lbw by Daniyal in the fourth over, while Warner contributed a brisk 22 off just 10 balls, hitting four boundaries and a six.
Warner then forged another vital partnership, putting on 43 runs with Saad Baig for the third wicket. However, both were dismissed in quick succession, bringing the score to 100 for 4 in 10.3 overs. Warner’s innings of 35 off 22 balls featured four fours and a six, while Saad Baig scored 30 from 23 deliveries, striking six boundaries.
Karachi Kings suffered another blow in the 14th over when Azam Khan was bowled by Usman Tariq after scoring 14 runs at a run-a-ball pace. Amid the middle-order struggle, Moeen Ali took charge and led the team’s recovery. He shared a 39-run partnership with Khushdil Shah for the sixth wicket. Khushdil contributed 12 off eight balls before falling to Daniyal in the 17th over, but Moeen carried the innings to the end.
Moeen remained unbeaten on 48 from 29 balls, decorated with four fours and three sixes, finishing as the top scorer for his side. Daniyal led Quetta Gladiators’ bowling efforts with three wickets for 36 runs in his four overs, supported by Alzarri Joseph, who claimed two, and one wicket each for Usman Tariq and Abrar Ahmed.