In the second match of the PSL at the Gaddafi Stadium, Quetta Gladiators emerged victorious against Peshawar Zalmi by 16 runs in a closely contested battle.
Opting to field first after winning the toss, Peshawar Zalmi faced a formidable challenge as Jason Roy and Saud Shakeel unleashed a barrage of powerful strokes, forging a massive partnership of 157 runs in the initial 15 overs. Shakeel, making his long-awaited PSL debut for Quetta Gladiators, impressed with a stunning 74 runs off 47 balls, including 4 sixes and 6 fours, while Roy steadied the innings with 75 runs off 48 balls.
Despite a strong start, Zalmi’s Rawalakot-born bowler Salman Irshad shone with figures of 3-38, restricting the Gladiators to 206-5 by the end of the innings.
SEE PSL SCHEDULE: 2024 PSL Schedule: Fixtures for Pakistan Super League (PSL 9)
In response, Saim Ayub and Babar Azam provided a blazing start for Peshawar Zalmi, forming a quick 91-run partnership in just 8.4 overs. However, a mix-up between the two resulted in Ayub’s runout, shifting momentum in Quetta’s favor.
Zalmi captain Babar Azam showcased his batting prowess with a brilliant 68 runs off 42 balls, but Gladiators’ mystery spinner turned the game around by dismissing Azam and Tom Kohler Cadmore in the crucial 16th over.
Muhammad Amir and Muhammad Wasim’s exceptional death bowling sealed the victory for Quetta Gladiators, earning them their first 2 points of PSL season 9.
Saud Shakeel was awarded the man of the match for his impressive half-century, as Quetta Gladiators celebrated their triumphant start to the season.
Next up, Karachi Kings will face Multan Sultans in the third match of PSL at Multan Stadium at 7pm.