Hassan Ali made history as Karachi Kings secured a 14-run win over Quetta Gladiators in their opening match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 on Friday at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
A late surge from Moeen Ali and a four-wicket haul by Hasan Ali proved decisive in a match that remained competitive until the final overs.
Karachi made 181 runs for 7 wickets, and Quetta was halted at 167 for 7 in their 20 overs.
Hasan Ali turns the game
Hasan Ali’s spell in the closing overs shifted the balance.
He removed key batters, including Hasan Nawaz, before striking twice more in the same over to dismiss Tom Curran and Ahmed Daniyal.
His final figures of 4 for 27 helped Karachi regain control at a crucial stage.
A late unbeaten 24 from Ben McDermott was not enough to close the gap.
Gladiators start strongly but lose momentum
Chasing 182, Quetta made a confident start.
Shamyl Hussain and captain Saud Shakeel added 79 runs in the first seven overs.
Hussain led the charge with 52 off 24 balls, hitting boundaries freely. However, his dismissal triggered a slowdown.
Wickets fell at regular intervals, and the early momentum faded.
Shakeel contributed 33, but Quetta struggled to keep up with the required rate after the top order was broken.
Earlier, Karachi’s innings was built on steady partnerships rather than individual dominance.
Captain David Warner scored 35, while Saad Baig added 30. Contributions from the middle order helped maintain the scoring rate despite regular wickets.
Moeen Ali provided the finishing touch with an unbeaten 48 off 29 balls, guiding the total to 181.
He was later named Player of the Match for his all-round performance.
Karachi will take confidence from a win shaped by both batting depth and disciplined bowling.
For Quetta, the result highlights the need to build on strong starts and maintain consistency through the innings.
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