News by “Sports reporter”
RAWALPINDI: Babar Azam’s rapid half-century, coupled with a ruthless bowling effort, propelled Peshawar Zalmi to a resounding 76-run victory over Quetta Gladiators in the 25th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Chasing a target of 197, the Gladiators’ batting line-up crumbled to a mere 120 despite a solid start.
Their openers Saud Shakeel and Jason Roy began aggressively, but Mehran Mumtaz’s breakthrough in the fifth over dented their momentum. Saud’s departure triggered a collapse, with the Gladiators losing five wickets for just 76 runs.
Akeal Hosein (14) and Omair Bin Yousuf (10) offered brief resistance with a 21-run partnership before falling victim to the Zalmi attack.
Later, Mohammad Amir (13) fought briefly before Khurram Shahzad wrapped up the tail by dismissing Abrar.
For Zalmi, Mehran Mumtaz, Saim Ayub, Luke Wood, and Shahzad claimed two wickets each, while Naveen-ul-Haq and Aamer Jamal took one apiece.
Opting to bat first, Peshawar Zalmi posted a formidable total, courtesy of Babar Azam’s explosive knock.
Openers Saim Ayub and Babar Azam laid a solid foundation with a 46-run partnership before Ayub’s dismissal in the fourth over. Ayub’s quickfire 30 off 12 balls provided the early impetus.
Mohammad Haris then supported Babar with a 47-run stand before a direct hit from Gladiators’ skipper Rilee Rossouw ended his innings.
Zalmi lost further wickets, including Babar Azam’s crucial dismissal by Akeal Hosein for 53 off 30 balls, and Tom Kohler Cadmore’s brisk 33.
Hosein’s hat-trick in the 16th over halted Zalmi’s surge, but Rovman Powell’s unbeaten 39-run partnership with Naveen-ul-Haq pushed the total to a challenging mark.
Powell’s aggressive 28 off 25 balls, supported by Naveen-ul-Haq’s sensible 10, bolstered Zalmi’s innings.
Akeal Hosein spearheaded the Gladiators’ bowling with figures of 4/23, while Hasnain, Abrar, and Sohail Khan chipped in with one wicket each.
