In an exciting contest of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, Quetta Gladiators triumphed over Peshawar Zalmi by 80 runs in the second match of the tournament. The game, held in Karachi, saw Quetta put up a dominant performance with the bat, setting an imposing total.
Peshawar Zalmi won the toss and opted to bowl first, but their decision backfired as the Gladiators racked up a challenging total of 216 runs for the loss of just three wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
Captain Saud Shakeel and the in-form Finn Allen provided the backbone of Quetta’s innings, sharing an 88-run partnership. Shakeel contributed 59 runs, while Allen scored a solid 53. Support came from Hassan Nawaz, who made 41, and the duo of Kushal Mendis and Rilee Rossouw, who contributed 35 and 21 runs respectively.
On the bowling front, Peshawar Zalmi’s Ali Raza, Sufyan Muqeem, and Joseph each picked up a wicket but struggled to make any significant breakthroughs.
In response, Peshawar Zalmi’s chase never really gained momentum. Despite a fighting 50 from Saeem Ayub, the Zalmi team could only muster 136 runs before being bowled out in the 16th over. Ayub was the top scorer, with useful contributions from Hussain Talat (35) and Mitchell Owen (31).
Quetta Gladiators’ bowlers dominated the innings, with Abrar Ahmed being the standout performer, taking 4 wickets. Mohammad Amir and Usman Tariq each claimed 2 wickets, ensuring the Gladiators’ victory was comprehensive.
With this win, Quetta Gladiators demonstrated their all-round strength, while Peshawar Zalmi will look to regroup ahead of their next match.
