News by “Sana Ullah”
KARACHI: Sherfane Rutherford showcased immense composure and guided Quetta Gladiators to a narrow triumph against Karachi Kings in the 16th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 held at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday.
In pursuit of 166 runs, the Gladiators clinched a tense victory on the final delivery as Rutherford struck Anwar Ali for a boundary at deep fine leg.
Before that, Saud Shakeel and Jason Roy provided a strong start to the Gladiators’ chase, forging a partnership that yielded 57 runs.
However, Gladiators’ skipper Rilee Rossouw fell cheaply, and it was up to Akeal Hosein and Rutherford to rescue their team.
Rutherford was the standout performer, scoring a blistering 58 off 31 balls, supported by Hosein’s crucial 22 not out.
For Karachi Kings, Hasan Ali and Zahid Mahmood claimed two wickets each, while Shoaib Malik took one.
Batting first, Kings lost their captain Shan Masood early but recovered through a solid partnership between James Vince and Tim Seifert.
Yet, Quetta’s Usman Tariq turned the game by dismissing both set batsmen in quick succession.
Mohammad Nawaz and Shoaib Malik steadied the innings, but late fireworks from Anwar Ali propelled Kings to 165/8.
In response, Gladiators’ Abrar Ahmed led the bowling attack with 3/31, supported by Hosein and Tariq with two wickets each.
With this victory, Quetta Gladiators consolidated their position at second place in the PSL 9 standings, while Karachi Kings remained in fifth place.
