Quetta Gladiators Seal Playoff Spot with Last-Ball Six
Quetta Gladiators secured a playoff berth in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after a thrilling six-wicket victory over Lahore Qalandars on Sunday. The win marked the Gladiators’ first playoff appearance in four years.
Mohammad Wasim played the hero for Quetta, smashing a last-ball six off Shaheen Shah Afridi to seal the victory. The left-arm pacer had earlier bowled a superb spell, taking 2 for 30 and putting pressure on the Gladiators’ chase.
Saud Shakeel anchored the Gladiators’ innings with an unbeaten 88 off 65 balls. The opener hit two boundaries off Afridi in the final over before Wasim’s match-winning six. Khawaja Nafay also contributed with a valuable 26.
Earlier, Lahore Qalandars chose to bat first and posted 166 for 4. Afridi, who promoted himself to No. 5, top-scored with 55 off 33 balls, including four sixes. Abdullah Shafique provided solid support with an unbeaten 59 off 39 deliveries.
The Gladiators’ victory leaves the Qalandars with only one win in ten league games, a disappointing end to their title defense. Quetta, meanwhile, has 11 points and could still finish among the top two if they beat Multan Sultans in their final league game on Tuesday.