Karachi Kings kept their tournament hopes alive with another impressive run chase, overcoming a challenging 196-run target against Quetta Gladiators in a high-pressure clash. A stunning unbeaten stand of 141 between David Warner and Reeza Hendricks proved decisive, guiding their side home comfortably and ending the Gladiators’ campaign in the process.
The Kings made an early impact after choosing to field, as Hasan Ali struck twice in the opening over to dismiss both Shamyl Hussain and Khawaja Nafay without scoring. Despite the shaky start, Quetta responded strongly through a counterattacking partnership between Rilee Rossouw and Saud Shakeel.
Shakeel set the tempo early, taking on the bowlers with confidence and helping his team recover quickly. Rossouw soon joined the charge, bringing up a well-crafted fifty from just 33 deliveries. The pair built a commanding stand that approached 150 runs, putting Karachi under pressure during the middle overs. Shakeel eventually departed for a fluent 57 off 34 balls, while Rossouw fell agonisingly short of a century. A late contribution from Dinesh Chandimal pushed the Gladiators to 196, although they may have felt they left runs behind after such a strong platform.
In reply, Karachi’s innings began cautiously before Warner took control towards the end of the powerplay. The skipper accelerated the scoring rate, ensuring his side stayed within reach of the target. Hendricks, who had struggled for rhythm earlier in the season, found his form at the perfect moment.
The duo handled the spin threat effectively, shifting momentum firmly in Karachi’s favour. Warner set the tone with aggressive strokeplay, while Hendricks gradually built confidence before launching a decisive assault. His standout moment came in the 17th over, where he dismantled Alzarri Joseph with three sixes and a boundary, collecting 24 runs and virtually sealing the contest.
With the equation reduced to just 10 runs from the final three overs, Hendricks fittingly finished the job with a stylish shot over the infield. Warner remained unbeaten on 89, while Hendricks finished on 87 not out, completing a clinical chase that keeps Karachi firmly in the race.
