Aziz stars with 45-run cameo to take Kings to 176-7

A 45-run cameo by Danish Aziz helped Karachi Kings post 176-7 against Quetta Gladiators on Saturday in HBL PSL 6.

After opting to bat first, Kings made a strong start as Sharjeel Khan took a particular liking to Jack Wildermuth as he dispatched the pacer for two sixes inside the powerplay.

Babar Azam also made use of Naseem Shah’s pace and erratic line to accumulate runs early.

Quetta’s local talent, Abdul Nasir, kept Kings’ run-rate in check by conceding only 6 runs in his first two overs. Babar tried to charge the young spinner but struggled to get the required connection and was caught at deep for 23.

Aarish Ali Khan had a dream start to his PSL career as he dismissed Martin Guptill and Sharjeel Khan in his first over. Guptill was caught at long off while trying to take the aerial route, while Sharjeel dragged the bowl onto his stumps and departed for 45.

Spinners continued to turn the screw on Karachi batsmen as Aarish dismissed Najib Zadran in a similar way to Sharjeel. Najib tried to cut the delivery which turned back sharply and dragged it onto his stumps, thereby reducing Karachi to 99-4 at the end of 15 overs.

Chadwick Walton decided to up the ante and smashed Aarish for a six and a boundary in his final over. However, Aarish made a comeback in the same over by dismissing Imad Wasim, to complete his four-wicket haul.

Danish Aziz took no time to settle and hit a six and a boundary on his first two deliveries. But the main show was yet to come, as Danish smashed a PSL record as he accumulated 33 runs in the 19^th over by Jack Wildermuth. Aziz smashed four sixes against the Australian to bring Karachi back on track.

Walton also played his part as his unbeaten 34-run knock helped Karachi post a competitive total.