LAHORE, Pakistan: A collective batting effort, followed by a five-wicket haul from Faheem Ashraf, led Quetta Gladiators to a commanding 64-run victory over Peshawar Zalmi in the 17th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday.
After being put in to bat, Quetta Gladiators posted a competitive total of 178 for 7 in their 20 overs.
Openers Finn Allen and Saud Shakeel gave them a solid start, putting on 46 runs for the first wicket.
Allen was the aggressor, striking 31 off just 16 deliveries, including four boundaries and two sixes, before falling to Alzarri Joseph in the fifth over.
Captain Saud Shakeel and Rilee Rossouw then added 45 runs for the second wicket, further consolidating the innings.
Shakeel made 26 off 32 balls with five fours, while Rossouw chipped in with a quick 27 off 18 deliveries.
Both batters were dismissed in quick succession by Saim Ayub, leaving the Gladiators at 105 for 3 in 11.2 overs.
Kusal Mendis and Mark Chapman steadied the innings with a 39-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Mendis scored 32 off 27 balls, featuring five boundaries, while Chapman top-scored for Quetta Gladiators with 33 off 26 deliveries, hitting three fours.
For Peshawar Zalmi, Alzarri Joseph was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 for 33 in his four overs.
Saim Ayub took two wickets, while Luke Wood chipped in with one.
In reply, Peshawar Zalmi’s batting lineup faltered under pressure, collapsing for 114 runs in 15.2 overs.
Only Hussain Talat showed some resistance, scoring 39 off 34 deliveries, hitting four boundaries and two sixes.
Captain Babar Azam (12), Mohammad Haris (17), and Mitchell Owen (15) were the only other batters to reach double figures.
Faheem Ashraf delivered a match-winning spell for Quatta Gladiators, finishing with 5 for 33 in 3.2 overs.
Khurram Shahzad picked up two wickets, while Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed, and Mohammad Wasim claimed one each to wrap up the innings.
Quetta Gladiators’ pace-heavy attack proved too strong for Peshawar Zalmi, as wickets fell at regular intervals and no significant partnerships were built.
Peshawar Zalmi Playing XI
Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Tom Kohler Cadmore, Hussain Talat, Mitch Owen, Abdul Samad, Luke Wood, Alzari Joseph, Sufyan Muqeem, and Ali Raza.
Quetta Gladiators Playing XI
Saud Shakeel (c), Abrar Ahmed, Hassan Nawaz, Kusal Mendis (wk), Mark Chapman, Rilee Rossouw, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Faheem Ashraf, Khurram Shahzad, and Fin Allen.
