Quetta Gladiators kicked off their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2023/24 campaign with a thrilling 16-run victory over Peshawar Zalmi in a high-scoring encounter at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The match played on a batting-friendly pitch, saw both teams put up strong performances, but it was the Gladiators who ultimately emerged victorious. Chasing 208 Babar Azam‘s side fell short by 16 runs despite his knock of 68.
Saud Shakeel and Jason Roy’s fiery start propels Quetta Gladiators
Batting first after losing the toss, Quetta Gladiators got off to a blazing start, thanks to their opening pair of Saud Shakeel and Jason Roy. The duo took the attack to the Zalmi bowlers from the outset, scoring at a brisk pace and punishing any loose deliveries. Their aggressive approach paid off as they put on a 157-run partnership for the first wicket. The Gladiators’ openers were helped by some poor bowling and fielding from the Zalmi players.
Saud Shakeel was the aggressor early on, scoring 74 off just 47 balls. His innings was laced with eight boundaries and two sixes, as he took the attack to the Zalmi bowlers. Jason Roy, on the other hand, played a more composed innings, scoring 75 off 48 balls, including seven boundaries and three sixes. Zalmi Skipper Babar Azam looked out of plans and gave three overs to part-time bowler Saim Ayub.
Irshad’s Late Strikes
The pair laid a solid foundation for the Gladiators, setting the stage for a big total. Zalmi skipper Babar Azam took an excellent running catch to break this stand. Despite losing a few wickets towards the end of their innings, the Gladiators managed to post a formidable total of 206/5 in their allotted 20 overs, Gladiators skipper Rilee Rossouw and Sherfane Rutherford chipped in with useful cameos.
Salman Irshad was the pick of the bowlers for Peshawar Zalmi, finishing with figures of 3/38, Under-19 pacer Mohammad Zeeshan too bowled a good spell and picked up the wicket of the opposition skipper Rilee Rossouw.
Babar Azam’s Heroics in Vain
Chasing a target of 207, Peshawar Zalmi got off to a solid start, thanks to their openers Saim Ayub and Babar Azam. The pair batted with confidence and took the attack to the Gladiators’ bowlers, scoring runs at a good rate as they reached 70 without losing a wicket. Saim Ayub was the more aggressive of the two, scoring 42 off 26 balls, before being run out in the ninth over. Mohammad Amir bowled an excellent opening spell but was unlucky to not get a wicket.
Babar Azam, meanwhile, continued his rich vein of form, scoring a quickfire 68 off 42 balls. His innings included three boundaries and six sixes, as he became the first player in PSL history to surpass the 3000-run mark. Babar Azam’s innings kept Zalmi in the hunt, but his dismissal in the 16th overturned the tide in favor of the Gladiators. Abrar Ahmed also dismissed Tom-Kohl Cadmore in the space of 3 deliveries denting Zalmi’s hopes.
Gladiators’ Bowlers Seal the Win
Despite some late resistance from the lower order, Peshawar Zalmi fell short of the target, finishing with 190/6 in their 20 overs. Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Wasim were the pick of the bowlers for Quetta Gladiators, picking up crucial wickets at crucial junctures to derail Zalmi’s chase. Amir particularly used his experience and bowled nicely mixing up his line and lengths and using the bumper to good effect to get the better of the Zalmi batsmen.
In the end, it was Quetta Gladiators who emerged victorious, thanks to their strong batting performance and disciplined bowling effort. The win would serve as a confidence booster for the Gladiators as they look to build momentum in the tournament. Meanwhile, Peshawar Zalmi would take heart from their batting performance but would be looking to tighten up their bowling and fielding in the upcoming matches.
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