Quetta Gladiators fail to reach semis despite win over Karachi Kings

16 Mar, 2020

Striking victory against second semi-finalist Karachi Kings by five wickets at National Stadium Karachi (NSK) could not help Quetta Gladiators to seal its position for semi-final of HBL PSL V 2020. Although both Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators have nine points, Zalmi with (-0.055) net run rate has confirmed its position in top fours.

Earlier in 29 match of the tournament, Fakhar Zaman and Chris Lynn terrorised Multan Sultans bowling attack with a 100-run partnership that helped Lahore Qalandars to chase a target of 187 and clinched their first-ever berth in the semi-final of fifth season of the Pakistan Super League with 10 points, shattered Gladiators hope to remain in the race despite a convincing win over Karachi Kings by 5 wickets.

A win against Karachi Kings with 22 balls spare and the blazing half-centuries by Shane Watson (66/34) and Khurram Manzoor (63/40) did not elevate Gladiators with (-0.722) net run rate to grab Peshawar Zalmi's fourth position, which also has nine points on the table.

Electing to bat first in 30th match of the tournament, Karachi Kings had rested number of key players including captain Imad Wasim, Umad Asif, Chris Jordan and Mohammad Amir. Babar, who led the team, opened the innings with Sharjeel Khan, who was bowled out on Naseem's second ball of the innings.

Babar, who played 32 of 34 balls, made a 30 runs partnership with Iftikhar, who made 21 of 17 balls. Fawad took Babar's wicket and Sohail Khan grabbed Iftikhar's wicket. Cameron Delport returned to form with 62 of 44 balls, which is a positive sign for Kings, who set an easy target of 151 runs for Quetta in this must win match. Quetta chases the target in 16.2 overs. Watson was declared Player of the Match

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