Saud Shakeel-led Quetta Gladiators claimed their first Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 triumph as they defeated Hyderabad Kingsmen by 40 runs at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.
Chasing 175, Kingsmen were restricted to 134-8 in their allotted 20 overs, courtesy of an exceptional bowling performance by Gladiators’ bowling attack.
Saim Ayub was the first to fall after smashing back-to-back fours in the opening over. He scored eight off four deliveries before being undone by a sharp, unplayable bouncer from Alzarri Joseph.
In the following over, second opener Maaz Sadaqat was dismissed for a second-ball duck by Abrar Ahmed, leaving the side reeling at 17-2 in 1.2 overs.
Kingsmen failed to build momentum and lost their third wicket inside the powerplay as Abrar struck again, dismissing Usman Khan cheaply for 14 off 18 balls, including two fours.
Saad Ali and Marnus Labuschagne then attempted to stabilise the innings, adding crucial runs to take the total past the 50-run mark.
However, Usman Tariq made an immediate impact in his first over, removing Saad Ali for seven off 12 deliveries as Kingsmen slipped to 51-4 in nine overs.
Skipper Saud then chipped in with the ball and struck in his first over, claiming the key wicket of Marnus Labuschagne, who scored 23 off 21 balls, including three fours, reducing Kingsmen to 57-5 in 9.4 overs.
The 48-run stand was eventually broken when Ahmed Daniyal dismissed Hassan Khan, who had played a fine knock of 31 off 19 deliveries, including three fours and a six, leaving Kingsmen under pressure at 105-6 in 15 overs.
Abrar struck again to hand Kingsmen another blow, dismissing Irfan Khan for 33 off 25 deliveries, including two fours and two sixes. Ahmed Daniyal then joined the attack and removed Hammad Azam for six off eight balls, adding further pressure on the side.
