LAHORE – Quetta Gladiators delivered a clinical performance on Sunday night at Gaddafi Stadium, defeating Peshawar Zalmi by 64 runs in a one-sided Pakistan Super League (PSL) clash. The victory lifted the Gladiators to third place in the standings, while Zalmi slipped to fifth.
Mohammad Amir set the tone early by trapping Babar Azam LBW with a sharp inswinger, highlighting Gladiators’ preparation and intensity. Their fast bowlers, especially Faheem Ashraf, who bagged 5 wickets for 33 runs, dismantled Zalmi’s batting lineup, while their top-order batters laid a solid foundation with crucial contributions.
Despite an aggressive start with Saim Ayub’s boundary off the first ball, Zalmi’s chase of 179 never took off. Saim was dismissed in the second over, and Babar followed soon after, unsuccessfully reviewing an LBW decision. With the early collapse leaving Zalmi at 41-3 by the end of the powerplay, they never recovered.
Faheem’s double strike in the eighth over left Zalmi reeling at 50-5. Khurram Shahzad’s two wickets in the 11th over sealed their fate. Only Hussain Talat offered some resistance with a 39-run knock, but Zalmi were bowled out for 114 in just 15.2 overs.
Earlier, Quetta’s openers Saud Shakeel and Finn Allen gave them a rapid start with a 46-run partnership in 4.2 overs. Contributions from Rilee Rossouw (27), Kusal Mendis (32), and Mark Chapman (33) powered the Gladiators to 178-7. Joseph led Zalmi’s bowling attack with 3 wickets, while Saim took 2.
Bowling Figures:
- Faheem Ashraf: 5-33
- Khurram Shahzad: 2-9
- Mohammad Amir: 1-18
- Mohammad Wasim Jr: 1-21
Score Summary:
- Quetta Gladiators: 178/7 in 20 overs
- Peshawar Zalmi: 114 all out in 15.2 overs
Result: Quetta Gladiators won by 64 runs
Player of the Match: Faheem Ashraf
Standings (Top 6):
- United – 10 pts
- Qalandars – 6 pts
- Gladiators – 6 pts
- Kings – 6 pts
- Zalmi – 4 pts
- Sultans – 2 pts
