The heroics of Saim Ayub (12-ball 30 and 2-20) and Babar Azam’s 30-ball 53 led Peshawar Zalmi to an impressive 76-run victory against Quetta Gladiators in Match 25 of the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at on Friday at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. Zalmi displayed dominance in all aspects of the game and dealt a major blow to Gladiators’ net run rate (NRR) with a resounding defeat.
QUETTA GLADIATORS SHIFT
Despite the heavy loss, the Gladiators maintain their direct path to the PSL 9 playoffs, needing just one win in their remaining two matches against Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans. Chasing the target of 197 runs, Gladiators opener Saud Shakeel showed early brilliance, contributing a brisk 24 off 12 before falling victim to Mehran Mumtaz. After Saud’s departure, the chasing side struggled, losing three wickets in the next four overs.
Rilee Rossouw (8), Khawaja Nafay (5) and Omair Yousuf (10) struggled resulting in the Gladiators managing just 120 runs in 17.5 overs and losing all their wickets. Saim Ayub, Luke Wood, Khurram Shahzad, and Mumtaz excelled with the ball, claiming two wickets each, while Naveen-ul-Haq and Aamer Jamal picked one each.
PESHAWAR ZALMI SHIFT
After being put in to bat, Zalmi embarked on a stellar innings with aggressive play from star batsman Saim Ayub, hitting veteran pacer Sohail Khan for a six and a four in the second over before being dismissed after contributing 30 runs off 12 balls. Captain Babar Azam continued the momentum and played attacking cricket but Peshawar lost two quick wickets of Mohammad Haris and Hasebullah Khan.
Tom Kohler-Cadmore provided vital support, forming a 36-run partnership with Babar before the captain’s departure. Babar scored a commendable 53 off 30 with nine fours and a six, but fell victim to Akeal, who was trapped LBW in the 13th over. Kohler-Cadmore departed in the next over, followed by Hosein’s hat-trick.
Despite Hosein’s impressive bowling performance, Zalmi, led by Rovman Powell’s late heroics, posted a competitive total. Hosein secured four wickets while Abrar Ahmed, Sohail Khan and Mohammad Hasnain picked one each.
