KARACHI: Quetta Gladiators' skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed gave full credit to his pacers Naseem Shah and Mohammad Hasnain for saving the match for them against Karachi Kings on Saturday.
Kings needed 37 runs off 18 balls with Shoaib Malik and Irfan Khan at the crease. However, Naseem and Hasnain bowled brilliantly in the 18th and 19th over, respectively, to save Gladiators from back-to-back defeats.
"Credit goes to Naseem and Hasnain, the way they bowled 18th and 19th over. We bowled brilliantly in last five overs to restrict them," Sarfaraz said.
Naseem gave just six runs whereas Hasnain conceded just seven runs to bring Gladiators back on the winning way.
To a query about top-order's failure in consecutive matches, Sarfaraz said they will give full time to their batters.
"Out top-order is known for playing aggressive cricket. We have given them the plan according to their strengths. As you all know, the way Jason Roy played last year. He and others will definitely make a comeback in the upcoming matches," he concluded.
Gladiators beat Kings by six runs
Gladiators defeated Kings by six runs on Saturday during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi.
This was Gladiators' first win in the tournament, meanwhile Kings have now lost three matches in a row.
Chasing a target of 169 runs, Kings were restricted to 162-5 in their allotted 20 overs.
The in-form Shoaib Malik remained unbeaten on 71 runs in 49 balls but he was not able to get his side over the line. His innings included eight fours and a six.
Muzamil Asif