Dubai February 21: An inspired bowling performance helped Karachi Kings record their first ever win against Quetta Gladiators in the history of HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Kings’ new captain Imad Wasim won the toss and opted to bat first, his batsmen posted a total of 149 for nine in their allotted 20 overs, at half way stage the total looked below the par score for the pitch.

But things turned in Karachi’s favour at the start of the Gladiators chase; Shane Watson and Asad Shafiq were sent packing early.

Gladiators kept losing wickets at regular intervals as Kings tightened the noose with some probing bowling. The Kings had a moment of magic as the veteran Shahid Afridi took a stunning one handed catch at the long-on boundary to bring to an end Umar Amin’s 31 run innings. Afridi later termed the catch a ‘miracle.’

Mohammad Nawaz scored 30 runs off 20 balls to bring the Gladiators back in the hunt however Kings pulled the game in their favour as Mohammad Amir accounted for the southpaw.

Gladiators’ were restricted to 130 for nine in their quota of 20 overs; Imad, Tymal Mills and Mohammad Irfan took two wickets each.

Earlier Man-of-the-Match Colin Ingram’s 41 run innings off only 21 balls was the reason for Kings’ eventual 149 run total.

Ingram’s innings helped Kings up the ante after opener Khurram Manzoor’s 39 ball 35 run effort. Ravi Bopara scored 24 runs.

Shane Watson took three wickets for Gladiators, Anwar Ali and Jofra Archer took two wickets each. Afridi managed one dismissing the Gladiators captain Sarfraz Ahmed for seven runs.