Peshawar Zalmi crush Quetta Gladiators by 61 runs

ABU DHABI: Peshawar Zalmi crushed Quetta Gladiators by 61 runs in the 19th match of the Pakistan Super League’s sixth edition at Abu Dhabi’s Shaikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.

The Gladiators were handed a huge 198-run target by Zalmi. Opener Saim Ayub (35) and Usman Khan (28) gave the side a steady start, the Gladiators’ wickets started to tumble in quick succession after both were dismissed

Fabian Allen provided the first breakthrough to Zalmi by dismissing Usman, while Mohammad Irfan took the wickets of Ayub, Azam Khan, and Cameron Delport in a single over. Pacer Umaid Asif dismissed Jake Weatherald for 13 and Mohammad Nawaz for a duck. Khurram Shahzad was run out at 11 runs.

Zalmi skipper Wahab Riaz got the wickets of Mohammad Hasnain (0) and Zahid Mahmood (0). Gladiators’ skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed scored 36 not out.

Peshawar Zalmi were able to set a huge 198-run target at the loss of five wickets for Quetta Gladiators. The Gladiators had invited Zalmi to bat first after winning the toss.

Zalmi’s key players — Haider Ali (0) and Shoaib Malik (2) — were sent packing within three overs by Mohammad Nawaz. However, Kamran Akmal and David Miller built a partnership of 125 runs that helped their team bounce back.

Akmal (59) was dismissed by Hasnain and back to the pavilion, while Khurram Shahzad bowled out Miller at 73 runs.

Following their dismissal, Rovman Powell (43) became the torchbearer for Zalmi as he kept the score ticking with some impressive shots. Nawaz was able to secure two wickets, while Shahzad and Hasnain picked up a wicket each.

The Gladiators are placed at the bottom of the points table and are on the verge of elimination. Both teams were defeated in their last matches during the current leg of the tournament.

Gladiators had brought in Cameron Delport after Andre Russell was ruled out and Zakir Khan was brought in place of Jack Wildermuth.