Barrow batsman Liam Livingstone was involved in an absolute thriller, as Karachi Kings defeated Quetta Gladiators by one run to qualify for the knockout stages of the Pakistan Super League.

Livingstone was out for just five in what was the Kings’ first match back on actual home soil, as the first half of the competition had taken place in the UAE.

However, the home side were still able to post an imposing 190-5 from their 20 overs, with opener Babar Azam setting a platform with 56 off 44 balls.

But it was Iftikhar Ahmed who lifted the Kings to a big total, as he crashed a quickfire 44 not out off just 18 deliveries.

The Gladiators made a great fist of what was a daunting-looking run chase, though, with Ahmed Shehzad’s superb knock keeping them in contention almost single-handedly.


It took the visitors to within five runs of victory going into the final over, which was bowled by Usman Shinwari, who finally dismissed Shehzad for 99 off 57 balls, which included eight fours and six sixes, off the second delivery when he was taken by a fantastic catch by Colin Ingram.

Nerves were really starting to fray when Anwar Ali was caught behind off the very next ball before Sarfaraz Ahmed played the penultimate delivery on to his stumps to give Shinwari a third wicket.

Now needing three to win off the final ball, Quetta could only manage a leg bye off it, giving Karachi their fifth win in the competition and the last knockout place that was on offer.

Livingstone has enjoyed a successful time with the Kings during the last month, beginning with a spectacular 82 off just 43 balls against Multan Sultans.

He then had a bit of a lean run before returning to form with 56 against Islamabad United while also striking a match-winning 53 not out against the Sultans in Karachi’s previous game last Monday.