KARACHI: Karachi Kings snapped their losing streak in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2025 with a dominant 56-run win over Quetta Gladiators on Thursday night at the National Bank Stadium. The victory was powered by James Vince’s stylish half-century and a clinical bowling display.
Vince anchored the Kings’ innings with a composed 70 off 47 balls on a challenging pitch, guiding the hosts to a solid total of 175-7. In response, the Gladiators crumbled under pressure, managing just 119-9 in their 20 overs.
Coming in at number three, Vince stood tall amid a shaky middle order. His knock, laced with six boundaries and a six, provided crucial stability after the Kings’ strong start faded against Quetta’s spin attack led by Abrar Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, and debutant Ali Majid.
Karachi began brightly, reaching 61-1 in the powerplay. Skipper David Warner (31 off 20) and Tim Seifert (27 off 15) gave a brisk start, but both fell before the end of the sixth over—Warner bowled by Abrar and Seifert undone by a beauty from Saud.
The scoring slowed considerably, with Karachi failing to hit a boundary for the next four overs. Debutant Ali Majid made an impact, dismissing Mohammad Riazullah, and later Khushdil Shah, while Vince tried to revive the innings with a straight six off Saud.
The drought finally ended in the 15th over, when Faheem Ashraf’s pace was exploited by Vince and Irfan Khan, who added quick runs. However, just as the Kings looked set for a late onslaught, Irfan holed out to Finn Allen off Sean Abbott’s bowling.
Unfazed, Vince continued his charge, reaching his half-century and adding more boundaries off Mohammad Amir and Abrar. Despite a dropped catch by Saud, Vince pushed the total past 150. In the final over, Nabi launched Amir for back-to-back sixes but was caught brilliantly by Allen on the third ball. Amir finished the innings by removing Vince on the final delivery.
Quetta’s chase got off to a disastrous start. Mir Hamza struck in the first over, removing the dangerous Allen. Hasan Ali (3-27) then tore through the top order, grabbing two quick wickets, while Mohammad Nabi (2-7) dismissed Kusal Mendis and Rilee Rossouw in a fiery spell.
Quetta slumped to 47-6 by the ninth over, with wickets falling in clusters. Abbas Afridi (2-9) trapped Sean Abbott lbw, and Aamer Jamal cleaned up Mohammad Amir after a brief burst of resistance, which included two sixes and a four.
Captain Saud Shakeel fought a lone battle, remaining unbeaten on 33 off 40, but ran out of partners. Hasan Ali returned to dismiss Abrar Ahmed in the 19th over, sealing Quetta’s collapse and handing Karachi a much-needed win.
Score Summary:
Karachi Kings: 175-7 in 20 overs
- James Vince 70 (47), David Warner 31 (20), Tim Seifert 27 (15)
- Ali Majid 2-29, Mohammad Amir 2-42
Quetta Gladiators: 119-9 in 20 overs
- Saud Shakeel 33* (40), Mohammad Amir 30 (15)
- Hasan Ali 3-27, Nabi 2-7, Abbas Afridi 2-9
Result: Karachi Kings won by 56 runs
Player of the Match: James Vince
