Faheem Ashraf’s five-wicket haul led Quetta Gladiators to crush Peshawar Zalmi in the 17th fixture of the Pakistan Super League season 10 at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on Sunday.
Chasing a target of 179 runs, Zalmi were all out at 114 in 15.2 overs.
Peshawar Zalmi started the chase on a shaky note as they lost their top three batters inside the powerplay.
Saim Ayub (5) was the first to be dismissed in the second over, scoring at 17.
Babar Azam (12) fell to Mohammad Amir for the second time in this PSL in the third over, while Tom-Kohler Cadmore (5) was castled by Mohammad Wasim, leaving Quetta three down for 33 in 4.3 overs.
Mohammad Haris on the other end showed some resistance with his 16 off 17 balls, with the help of a four and a six, before being removed.
After the initial setbacks, Peshawar Zalmi struggled to chase the target.
Zalmi’s power hitters Abdul Samad (2) and Mitchell Owen (15) were also quickly dismissed.
At one stage, Zalmi were reeling at 81-7 in the 10th over before Hussain Talat’s determined innings that helped lift Peshawar Zalmi above the 100-run mark.
He remained the top scorer with 39 off 34 balls, featuring two sixes and four fours.
The whole team was bundled out on the second ball of the 15th over, marking Peshawar Zalmi’s fourth defeat in six matches by 64 runs.
For Quetta Gladiators, Faheem Ashraf was the stand-out bowler, taking five for 33 in 3.3 overs. Khurram Shahzad was clinical as well, taking two wickets.
Earlier, Quetta Gladiators posted a total of 178 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
Batting first, Quetta Gladiators' innings was opened by captain Saud Shakeel and Finn Allen.
The duo gave a promising start before Finn Allen departed after scoring a brisk 31 runs, with the team total at 46.
Following Allen’s dismissal, Rilee Rossouw contributed 27 runs, adding vital runs in the middle overs.
Saud Shakeel and Kusal Mendis both played steady knocks, scoring 32 runs each, keeping the scoreboard ticking during a crucial phase.
Mark Chapman later added an aggressive touch to the innings with his 33-run contribution.
However, the Gladiators lost quick wickets towards the end, with Faheem Ashraf managing just 1 run and Hasan Nawaz getting dismissed for 8 runs.
On the bowling front, Peshawar Zalmi delivered a disciplined performance.
Alzarri Joseph starred with the ball, claiming three wickets, while Saim Ayub impressed with two wickets.
Luke Wood also chipped in, taking one wicket, helping Zalmi restrict Quetta from posting an even bigger total.
The match is now finely poised, with Peshawar Zalmi needing 179 runs to secure victory.
Peshawar Zalmi won the toss and decided to bowl first against Quetta Gladiators.
Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators have clashed on the cricket field a total of 25 times since the PSL’s inception.
In this fierce rivalry, Peshawar Zalmi emerges as the frontrunner, boasting 13 hard-fought victories, while the Quetta Gladiators have held their ground with 11 triumphs.
Playing XIs
Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Tom Kohler Cadmore, Hussain Talat, Mitch Owen, Abdul Samad, Luke Wood, Alzari Joseph, Sufyan Muqeem, Ali Raza
Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel (c), Abrar Ahmed, Hassan Nawaz, Kusal Mendis (wk), Mark Chapman, Rilee Rossouw, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Faheem Ashraf, Khurram Shahzad, Fin Allen