NEW DELHI: Sherfane Rutherford played a remarkable innings to secure a five-wicket victory for Quetta Gladiators over Karachi Kings in a thrilling match of the Pakistan Super League.
Rutherford's unbeaten half-century (58 off 31 balls), consisting of six sixes and a boundary off the final ball, helped Quetta recover from a middle-order collapse and reach a total of 169/5. This win marks Quetta's fourth victory in five games.
Karachi Kings, despite a strong start from James Vince (37) and Tim Seifert (21), struggled against Quetta's spinners and could only manage a total of 165/8. This defeat is Karachi's third in five games.
The team was also affected by a viral infection, with players such as Mir Hamza, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Leus du Plooy missing the match. Du Plooy was even hospitalized.
Zahid Mahmood, playing his first game of the season, and Hasan Ali played a crucial role in bringing Karachi back into the game with four quick wickets. Shoaib Malik also played a key role by dismissing the half-century maker, Jason Roy, as Quetta struggled at 89/5 in the 12th over.
However, it was Rutherford who led the counterattack, supported by Akeal Hosein. Rutherford's powerful hitting, including two sixes off the first two balls of the final over, ensured Quetta's victory. Anwar Ali, the fast bowler, was on the receiving end of Rutherford's onslaught.
The match began with Karachi Kings' captain, Shan Masood, being bowled for just two runs in the first over by left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein. James Vince provided some momentum with his quickfire knock, but Usman Tariq's first over turned the tide by dismissing both Seifert and Vince.
In the later stages of the Karachi innings, Abrar Ahmed impressed with three wickets, including the dismissal of Keiron Pollard. Hasan Ali also contributed with an unbeaten 25 runs, scoring 20 off Mohammad Wasim's last over.
Overall, it was a thrilling match with Rutherford emerging as the hero for Quetta Gladiators, securing their victory over Karachi Kings.
(With inputs from AP)
