In a pulsating HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) X encounter at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, Quetta Gladiators posted a formidable 178/7 in their 20 overs, setting Peshawar Zalmi a challenging target of 179 to chase.
Opting to bat first after losing the toss, Quetta’s openers Saud Shakeel and Finn Allen ignited the innings with a fiery 46-run stand. Allen, the dynamic New Zealander, was in scintillating form, smashing 31 runs off just 16 balls. His explosive knock featured two towering sixes and four crisp boundaries, setting an aggressive tone. However, Alzarri Joseph struck for Zalmi, removing Allen to break the opening partnership.
Captain Saud Shakeel played a steady hand, anchoring the innings with a composed 32 off 26 balls, laced with five boundaries. He found an able ally in Rilee Rossouw, who contributed a brisk 27 off 18 balls, including five fours, as the duo pushed Quetta to 91 before Rossouw fell to Sufyan Muqeem’s spin.
Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis added solidity in the middle order, scoring a valuable 32 off 27 balls. His innings was cut short by Joseph, who was the pick of Zalmi’s bowlers. New Zealand’s Mark Chapman played a pivotal role, striking 33 off 26 balls with three fours, but Luke Wood dismissed him to dent Quetta’s momentum.
Late contributions came from Hasan Nawaz, who chipped in with a quick 8 off 4 balls, but a disciplined bowling effort from Zalmi restricted Quetta’s lower order. Faheem Ashraf’s brief stay yielded just 1 run before Joseph claimed his third scalp. A run-out in the final over capped Quetta’s innings at 178/7.
Joseph led Zalmi’s bowling attack with an impressive 3/33 in four overs, while Saim Ayub supported with 2/24. Wood, Muqeem, and Ali Raza each claimed a wicket, keeping Quetta’s total within reach.
Zalmi’s chase will hinge on their star-studded batting lineup, led by captain Babar Azam, alongside Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris, and Tom Kohler-Cadmore. Quetta’s bowling unit, featuring Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Wasim Jr., and Abrar Ahmed, will aim to defend their total and secure a crucial victory.
Peshawar Zalmi XI: Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Hussain Talat, Mitch Owen, Abdul Samad, Luke Wood, Alzarri Joseph, Sufyan Muqeem, Ali Raza
Quetta Gladiators XI: Saud Shakeel (c), Finn Allen, Rilee Rossouw, Kusal Mendis (wk), Mark Chapman, Hasan Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shahzad
With the stage set for an exciting chase, all eyes are on Zalmi to see if they can overhaul Quetta’s competitive total in this high-stakes PSL X showdown.
