Khawaja Nafay secures an impressive consecutive victory for the Gladiators, making it a remarkable two in a row!

In a thrilling PSL 2024 clash, the Quetta Gladiators showcased their dominance with a sensational victory over the Lahore Qalandars. Led by Khawaja Nafey’s breezy unbeaten half-century and Akeal Hosein’s exceptional bowling spell, the Gladiators secured their second consecutive win with a five-wicket triumph at the Gadaffi Stadium on Monday.

          The Quetta Gladiators’ chase of the challenging 188-run target was filled with excitement and key moments. The opening pair, Saud Shakeel and Jason Roy, capitalized on Haris Rauf’s erratic second over, taking advantage of wide deliveries and scoring easy boundaries in the powerplay. The duo’s explosive partnership of 69 runs in 41 balls, with 61 coming in the powerplay, set the tone for the chase.

          However, Zaman Khan and Sikandar Raza struck quickly, dismissing the openers and breaking the Gladiators’ momentum. Rilee Rossouw contributed with some boundaries, but the Qalandars’ bowlers, including the stingy Raza and the returning Haris Rauf, kept the pressure on. Despite a couple of setbacks, Rayaf managed to hit two crucial sixes off Rauf, easing the pressure on the required run rate.

          Zaman Khan’s efforts for the Qalandars in the chase were notable, but lack of support from the other end made the task challenging. However, Rayaf secured his maiden PSL half-century in the 18th over, guiding the Gladiators to a well-deserved victory without any late twists.

          In the first innings, after Lahore Qalandars elected to bat, Akeal Hosein made a stunning impact with the ball, putting Fakhar Zaman in trouble early on. Despite an early dropped catch, Hosein continued to apply pressure on Zaman, eventually dismissing him in the third over. The left-arm spinner’s tight bowling in the powerplay restricted Lahore Qalandars to only 23 runs after four overs.

          The Gladiators’ success continued as Abrar Ahmad dismissed Rassie van der Dussen, breaking a half-century partnership between van der Dussen and Sahibzada Farhan. Farhan, who played aggressively, rode his luck with a dropped catch but fell after smashing consecutive sixes off Hasnain.

          Akeal Hosein returned to the attack, finishing with impressive figures of 2-17, as Qalandars struggled to accelerate and lost wickets. Jahandad Khan’s explosive unbeaten 45 off 17 balls added some late fireworks, propelling Lahore Qalandars to 187 for 7, but it proved insufficient in the face of the Gladiators’ determined chase.