Saim Ayub’s 50 was in vain as Quetta Gladiators crushed Peshawar Zalmi in the second match of the tenth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Saturday.
Chasing a staggering target of 217, the Zalmi were bowled out for 136 inside the 16th over, handing the Gladiators a one-sided 80-run victory. Only Hussain Talat (35 off 19), Mitchell Owen (31 off 13), and Saim Ayub offered any resistance with the bat.
None of the other Zalmi batters could stay at the crease for long, with Babar Azam (0), Tom Kohler-Cadmore (0), Max Bryant (0), Alzarri Joseph (0), and Mohammad Ali (0) all departing without scoring.
Mohammad Haris (13) and Sufiyan Muqeem (1) also failed to offer any meaningful contribution.
For the Gladiators, Abrar Ahmed (4-42) claimed four wickets, while Mohammad Amir (2-11) and Usman Tariq (2-26) picked up two wickets each.
Kyle Jamieson (1-28) took one scalp, while Faheem Ashraf (0-7) and Shoaib Malik (0-19) remained wicketless.
GLADIATORS' INNINGS
Quetta Gladiators posted a formidable 217-run target for Peshawar Zalmi in the second match held on Saturday at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Saturday.
Peshawar Zalmi had won the toss and elected to field first, placing the Gladiators at the crease. The decision appeared costly as the Gladiators’ batting line-up delivered a resounding performance.
From the Gladiators' camp, middle-order batter Saud Shakeel and opener Finn Allen emerged as the standout performers.
Shakeel amassed 59 runs with precision and composure, while Allen added 53 to the total with aggressive stroke play.
Both contributed significantly towards the team’s total, strengthening their position in the early overs.
Moreover, Gladiators batter Hassan Nawaz showcased his prowess by adding 41 crucial runs.
His innings ensured the Gladiators surpassed the 200-run mark and closed their innings at 216.
Meanwhile, another fixture has been scheduled later tonight at 8 PM. Karachi Kings will lock horns with Multan Sultans at the National Stadium in Karachi.
Playing XIs
Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam(c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris(w), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Hussain Talat, Max Bryant, Mitchell Owen, Alzarri Joseph, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Ali, Ali Raza
Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel(c), Finn Allen, Hasan Nawaz, Kusal Mendis(w), Rilee Rossouw, Shoaib Malik, Faheem Ashraf, Kyle Jamieson, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq
