Saim Ayub’s heroics (12-ball 30 and 2-20) and Babar Azam’s 30-ball 53 powered Peshawar Zalmi to a commanding 76-run victory against Quetta Gladiators in the 25th match of the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Zalmi showcased dominance across all facets of the game, dealing a significant blow to the Gladiators' net run rate (NRR) with a resounding defeat.
QUETTA GLADIATORS' INNINGS
Despite the hefty loss, the Gladiators retain a straightforward path to the PSL 9 playoffs, requiring just one victory in their remaining two matches against the Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans.
In pursuit of the 197-run target, Gladiators' opener Saud Shakeel displayed early brilliance, contributing a brisk 24 off 12 before falling victim to Mehran Mumtaz.
Following Saud's departure, the chasing side encountered difficulties, losing three wickets in the next four overs. Rilee Rossouw (8), Khawaja Nafay (5), and Omair Yousuf (10) struggled, leading to the Gladiators managing only 120 runs in 17.5 overs, losing all their wickets.
Saim Ayub, Luke Wood, Khurram Shahzad, and Mumtaz excelled with the ball, each claiming two wickets, while Naveen-ul-Haq and Aamer Jamal picked one each.
PESHAWAR ZALMI'S INNINGS
After being put into bat, the Zalmi embarked on a stellar innings with star batter Saim Ayub's aggressive play, 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, playing attacking cricket, but Peshawar lost two quick wickets of Mohammad Haris and Haseebullah Khan. Tom Kohler-Cadmore provided crucial support, forming a 36-run partnership with Babar before the skipper's departure.
Babar scored a commendable 53 off 30 with nine fours and a six but fell victim to Akeal, who 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, reached a competitive total. Hosein secured four wickets, while Abrar Ahmed, Sohail Khan, and Mohammad Hasnain picked one each.
TOSS
The Gladiators had opted to bowl first after winning the toss against the Zalmi.
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