LAHORE, Pakistan: Alzarri Joseph produced a superb spell of fast bowling, claiming 3/33, to help Peshawar Zalmi restrict Quetta Gladiators to 178/7 in their 17th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.
Peshawar Zalmi, who won the toss and opted to bowl first, applied early pressure despite a brisk start from the Gladiators.
Openers Finn Allen and Saud Shakeel added a lively 46 runs before Joseph made the crucial breakthrough, dismissing Allen for 31 off just 16 deliveries, featuring four fours and two sixes.
Shakeel continued to build momentum, forging a 45-run partnership with Rilee Rossouw.
However, Saim Ayub struck twice in quick succession, removing both set batters and leaving Quetta struggling at 105/3 in the 12th over.
Shakeel contributed 32 from 26 balls, while Rossouw scored 27 off 18, with both players striking five boundaries apiece.
Quetta attempted to stabilise through Kusal Mendis and Mark Chapman, who stitched together a 39-run stand for the fourth wicket.
Joseph, returning for a second spell, removed Mendis for 32, caught behind after a steady knock that included five boundaries.
Chapman top-scored for the Gladiators with a composed 33 off 26 balls, but fell to Luke Wood in the final over as Quetta struggled to accelerate towards the end of their innings.
Joseph was the standout performer with the ball for Zalmi, finishing with three wickets, while Saim Ayub picked up two and Luke Wood claimed one.
Heading into the contest, Quetta Gladiators were buoyed by their comprehensive 80-run victory over Peshawar Zalmi in their season opener, showcasing their all-round prowess.
However, inconsistency, particularly in the batting department, has plagued them throughout the tournament.
Their recent narrow win over Karachi Kings, defending a modest 142, injected renewed belief into the squad.
Captain Saud Shakeel’s form at the top of the order remains crucial for Quetta, while the experience of Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis and South Africa’s Rilee Rossouw provides stability.
Their bowling attack, led by veteran Mohammad Amir and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed, continues to be their major strength.
Peshawar Zalmi, on the other hand, have endured a challenging campaign, losing three of their four matches so far.
Their sole victory — a thumping 120-run win over Multan Sultans — highlighted their potential, but inconsistency has prevented them from building momentum.
Zalmi’s fortunes largely rest on the shoulders of captain Babar Azam, who has been solid if not explosive.
Mohammad Haris brings firepower to the middle order, while overseas pacers Luke Wood and Alzarri Joseph have shown flashes of brilliance but have struggled for consistency in the death overs.
Sunday’s clash promised an intriguing tactical battle between Quetta’s disciplined bowling attack and Peshawar’s top-heavy batting line-up, with Zalmi’s bowlers stepping up early to give their side the advantage.
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.
