Quetta Gladiators kicked off their Pakistan Super League (PSL) X campaign with a commanding 80-run triumph over Peshawar Zalmi on Saturday, setting a commanding tone at the crease with 216 and dismantling their rivals for just 136.
The Gladiators’ batting fireworks were led by openers Finn Allen and captain Saud Shakeel, who launched a ferocious assault. Allen, making his PSL debut, smashed a blistering 53 off 25 balls, including a 23-run onslaught in a single over against spinner Sufiyan Muqeem. Shakeel complemented with a composed 59, anchoring a fiery 88-run opening stand. Their dominance ensured Quetta raced to 67 without loss in the powerplay, laying a robust foundation.
Hasan Nawaz and Rilee Rossouw kept the momentum, with Nawaz’s quickfire contribution and Rossouw’s flair pushing Quetta past 150. Kusal Mendis’ late surge powered Gladiators to 216, a PSL peak. Zalmi’s bowlers, Ali Raza and Muqeem, faltered despite wickets.
Zalmi’s chase unraveled early. Mohammad Amir struck a massive blow, dismissing captain Babar Azam for a duck, caught sharply by Rossouw. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed then spun a web, removing Mohammad Haris and Tom Kohler-Cadmore in consecutive deliveries, leaving Zalmi reeling at 30-3. Abrar’s mesmerizing spell earned him Player of the Match honors with a four-wicket haul.
Saim Ayub and Hussain Talat offered resistance, stitching a 63-run stand. Talat’s aggressive 35 off 19, including a 19-run over off Shoaib Malik, briefly revived hopes. But Usman Tariq’s double strike—dismissing Talat and Max Bryant in succession—triggered a collapse. Ayub’s gritty fifty was undone by Kyle Jamieson’s catch, and Alzarri Joseph’s sharp run-out piled on the misery.
Mitchell Owen’s late 31 off 13, peppered with sixes, was a lone spark for Zalmi, but Abrar and Amir (two wickets each) ensured the innings folded in the 16th over. Quetta’s clinical bowling sealed a statement win.
This emphatic victory underscores Quetta’s intent in PSL X, blending explosive batting with disciplined bowling. Zalmi, meanwhile, face an early reality check, needing to regroup swiftly to bounce back in the tournament.
