Twitter Reactions: Danish Aziz and Mohammad Ilyas secure Karachi Kings’ PSL 2021 playoff berth
Lahore Qalandars have nearly been knocked out of the tournament, though they still have an unrealistic mathematical chance.
Karachi Kings, after losing three games in a row, have made a comeback and have qualified for the playoffs of the 2021 Pakistan Super League. After edging past the Lahore Qalandars by seven runs, the Imad Wasim-led unit romped to a 30-run win over the Quetta Gladiators. Meanwhile, with their win, the Qalandars have almost been knocked out, though they are in with a mathematical chance.
Aziz propels the Kings
In a must-win contest, the Kings decided to put runs on the board. In the first nine overs, Karachi strained until Sharjeel Khan smashed Hassan Khan for two sixes to end the ninth over. Babar Azam hit three fours, but his 23 came under a run-a-ball.
Martin Guptill started with a four down the ground before he got out to Arish Ali Khan. Najibullah Zadran began with a six, but couldn’t carry on. Arish also got the prized wicket of Sharjeel, who was looking dangerous on a 34-ball 45. When Imad Wasim got out, the Kings were a tad on the backfoot.
But then, Danish Aziz took 33 runs off Jack Wildermuth in one of his overs. Aziz went on to score a 13-ball 45 before Khurram Shahzad castled him. Chadwick Walton stayed unbeaten to make sure that the Kings get themselves up to 176 in their 20 overs.
Gladiators go down yet again
The Gladiators started steadily courtesy of a 32-run opening stand between Jake Weatherald and Saim Ayub. Mohammad Ilyas got rid of Ayub, who was looking set, having hit one four and two sixes. Thereafter, Arshad Iqbal pinned Weatherald, whose 25 came at a tad over a run-ball, albeit he hit three fours and one six.
Usman Khan was demoted to strengthen the middle-order, but the tactic didn’t work out as he became Ilyas’ second victim. In the meantime, the required rate kept climbing and went in excess of 12 with more than seven overs left.
In the 13th over, Iqbal picked up Azam Khan’s wicket after being pulled for a six. Hassan Khan scored a 15-ball 24 after which he was unfortunately run out at the non-striker’s end. In the end, Quetta ended with 150 for seven in their 20 overs. Ilyas impressed with three crucial wickets.
Here’s how the netizens reacted to Karachi Kings’ win:
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