Khawaja Nafay | © Twitter
Quetta Gladiators continued their impressive run in the PSL 2024 with a thrilling five-wicket victory over defending champions Lahore Qalandars. The match’s hero was the unheralded Khawaja Nafay, who batted at No. 3 and played a sensational unbeaten innings of 60 runs off just 31 balls. Facing the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, Nafay displayed remarkable confidence, hitting three sixes and four boundaries. His innings proved to be the difference as Gladiators chased down the target of 188 with five wickets and five balls to spare.
Despite Qalandars posting a competitive total of 187 for 7, Gladiators managed to secure their victory in what turned out to be a gripping contest. Qalandars’ opening batter, Sahibzada Farhan, played a crucial role with a solid knock of 62 off 43 balls. However, the real impetus came from Jahandad Khan, who was promoted to No. 5 and played a breezy unbeaten innings of 45 off just 17 balls. Jahandad’s aggressive batting in the death overs, including four sixes and three boundaries, propelled Qalandars to a challenging total.
Akeal Hosein, who opened the bowling for Gladiators, played a pivotal role in restricting Qalandars. Despite Jahandad’s onslaught, Hosein conceded only 17 runs and picked up 2 wickets in his four-over spell. His tight bowling in the powerplay set the tone for Gladiators’ successful chase.
Gladiators’ batting innings started briskly, thanks to Jason Roy (24 runs) and Saud Shakeel (40). Roy, who was dropped twice during the innings, and Shakeel formed a dynamic opening partnership reminiscent of their century stand against Zalmi. However, both batters fell in successive overs after dominating the powerplay. Zaman Khan clean-bowled Shakeel with a yorker, and Roy swiped wildly at spinner Raza’s short ball that hit the middle stump.
Qalandars’ fielding woes continued in the match, as they dropped three catches, including a crucial one by part-time wicketkeeper Sahibzada Farhan. Farhan’s lapse in the field occurred when he missed an opportunity to dismiss former Gladiators captain Sarfaraz Ahmed off the first ball he faced from Haris Rauf.
Ultimately, Quetta Gladiators emerged victorious, showcasing their early dominance in the PSL 2024. Nafay’s standout performance and impactful contributions from other players highlighted the Gladiators’ resilience and ability to handle pressure situations. Gladiators will look to maintain their winning momentum as the tournament progresses and establish themselves as strong contenders for the PSL 2024 title.
