Clinical half-centuries from David Warner and Reeza Hendricks powered Karachi Kings to a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators in a crucial HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 fixture at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

Chasing 196, Karachi Kings reached the target in 18.3 overs for the loss of just one wicket, underpinned by an unbroken 141-run stand off 79 deliveries between Warner and Hendricks. The pair maintained a high tempo throughout, ensuring the chase remained firmly under control.

Earlier, Warner and Jason Roy provided a brisk start, adding 58 runs in 5.2 overs before Roy departed for 20, having struck four boundaries. The early wicket did little to disrupt momentum, with the Kings advancing to 110 by the halfway mark.

Warner and Hendricks then consolidated and accelerated in tandem, both bringing up fluent half-centuries. The Gladiators’ bowling unit struggled to apply pressure, and Hendricks sealed the result with a boundary off Jahandad Khan.

Warner remained unbeaten on 89 off 48 balls, including four sixes and 10 fours, while Hendricks contributed an equally assured 87 not out from 48 deliveries, featuring four sixes and eight boundaries. Jahandad Khan claimed the only wicket for Quetta.

Earlier, Quetta Gladiators posted a competitive 195 for 6 after being put in to bat, built on half-centuries from captain Saud Shakeel and Rilee Rossouw.

Karachi Kings made early inroads through Hasan Ali, who removed Shamyl Hussain and Khawaja Nafay for ducks. In response, Shakeel and Rossouw stabilised the innings and guided the total past 50, later combining for a 100-run partnership.

Rossouw continued his strong tournament form, registering his 14th PSL half-century, while Shakeel reached his fifth in the competition. Shakeel was dismissed for 57 off 34 balls, including nine fours, by teenage pacer Rizwanullah, leaving Quetta at 149 for 3 in 14.3 overs.

Rossouw pressed on, adding quick runs alongside Hasan Nawaz before falling for a well-compiled 90 off 54 balls, with eight fours and six sixes, to Abbas Afridi. Late wickets curtailed Quetta’s surge, with Rizwanullah and Afridi striking again in the closing overs.

Dinesh Chandimal provided late impetus with an unbeaten 30 off 17 balls, as Quetta finished on 195 for 6. For Karachi, Afridi, Hasan Ali and Rizwanullah claimed two wickets apiece.