That is all we have from this match. Super Sunday is coming our way with a couple of matches - Multan Sultans vs Islamabad United at 2.30 pm IST (9 am GMT) and Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT). Do join us in advance for our build-up. Until then, it's goodbye and cheers!
Sarfaraz Ahmed, the captain of Quetta Gladiators, says that they knew that they can fight with this score and praises his bowlers for the way they bowled, under tough conditions. Terms the knock Martin Guptill as the best in the PSL and that helped his team get a big boost. Hopes that Guptill keeps up with his good form. On his bowling changes, Sarfaraz Ahmed replies that when you win all the strategies become good. He lauds the way his bowlers executed their plans despite all the dew. Points out that their batting in the Powerplay has been a concern and they will like to sort this out.
Martin Guptill (117 off 67 balls) is the obvious choice for the Player of the Match award. The Kiwi says that it was a contrasting inning but he had to do that after losing four quick wickets. Adds that he had to stay cool and he tried to take it deep. Mentions that they were always confident after getting 168 on the board as it was a tough wicket to bat on.
Imad Wasim, the captain of Karachi Kings, says that the first 6-7 overs were brilliant but they ended up giving away way too many runs. Adds that the fielding has let them down and if they keep dropping catches then the results are going to be the same always. Also adds that their bowling at death is a thing to worry about. Ends up saying that they just want to feel relaxed as what's done is done and they would want to start afresh and try not to repeat the same mistakes in the coming games.
Mohammad Hasnain (4-0-29-2) comes up for a quick word. The young speedster says that the most important wicket was of Wade and he was called upon to take wickets and thankfully, he delivered. Shares that he has been bowling along with Naseem Shah for a long time and they are good mates on and off the field. Tells that the ultimate goal for both of them is to take wickets and help the team to glory.
Stay tuned for a few interviews...
This game was very similar for both teams. Quetta Gladiators were pegged back early with a flurry of wickets but the knock of Martin Guptill revived them and helped them to put up a strong total. Similarly, Karachi Kings also lost wickets in a heap early on and here Shoaib Malik navigated their inning forward. The difference has to be the way they bowled in the last five overs. The Kings were all over the place, conceding 76 runs whereas the Gladiators executed their plans to perfection. Mohammad Hasnain and Naseem Shah showed the way to nail the yorkers and bowl clever variations too, and a lot of credit goes to these two young men for this success.
The chase didn't start well for Karachi Kings as their batting once again got exposed. They lost three wickets inside the Powerplay and from thereon it was always difficult to keep up with the asking rate. Shoaib Malik and Matthew Wade did calm things down with a sedate partnership but before that stand could become dangerous, Sarfaraz Ahmed dialled Mohammad Hasnain's number and the young speedster responded by removing Wade and Imad Wasim in one over. Shoaib Malik kept on fighting along with Irfan Khan but the big shots needed at the backend didn't come as desired.
Quetta Gladiators have done it! They have registered their first win of the season and the players are looking very happy. It was a game that swung like a pendulum with both teams trying their best but eventually, the Gladiators dictated terms in the crunch moments to secure their first two points.
KARACHI KINGS
162/5 (20.0)
71* (49)
37* (26)
2/29 (4)
1/29 (4)
Over 20
1
4
4
1
6
1
Irfan Khan*
37 (26)
Shoaib Malik
71 (49)
Odean Smith
0/36 (4)
KAR
162/5
1
19.6
Odean Smith to Irfan Khan ,A yorker on middle, Irfan Khan keeps it out through square leg for just a single. Quetta Gladiators win by 6 runs.
6
19.5
Odean Smith to Irfan Khan ,SIX! Length delivery around middle, Irfan Khan has flicked this with power as this travels all the way over the fence at square leg. Too late though.
The crowd has started to celebrate.
1
19.4
Odean Smith to Shoaib Malik ,Slower delivery and Malik could only get this towards sweeper cover. He crosses for a run and is disappointed.
4
19.3
Odean Smith to Shoaib Malik ,FOUR! Here is another boundary as Shoaib Malik hits it flat and one bounces over the fence. Short-pitched delivery was attempted but lack of pace works in favour of Shoaib Malik as he smashes this for a boundary toward deep mid-wicket.
4
19.2
Odean Smith to Shoaib Malik ,FOUR! Thrashed to the off side. He had to hit a boundary and he executes well. Short and wide outside off, Shoaib Malik has cut this through the backward point channel for a boundary.
Irfan Khan has handed the strike to Shoaib Malik. Can he do the magic? 23 needed off 5 balls.
1
19.1
Odean Smith to Irfan Khan ,Slower one on off, Irfan Khan loses his body shape as he looks to slog this. Gets an inside edge onto the pads and they cross.
Odean Smith to bowl the final over. 24 needed. It will be Irfan Khan on strike.