A superb batting and bowling performance helped Peshawar Zalmi thrash 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 Saturday.
Chasing a daunting target of 198 runs to stay in the event, Sarfaraz Ahmed-led side never looked threatening and finished their innings at 136-9 in allotted overs.
After getting a 62-run opening stand in 6.2 overs from Saim Ayub (35 runs off 31 balls) and Usman Khan (28 runs off 21 balls), Quetta batsmen wilted under pressure and no batsman was there to take up the challenge.
Peshawar Zalmi’s giant pacer broke the backbone of Quetta bowling in his last over of the quota and 10th over of the match with three wickets.
He removed opener Saim Ayub and the removed Azam Khan and Cameron Delport for ducks on the last two balls of his over to end with an impressive figures of 3-27 in his four overs.
Captain Sarfaraz remained unbeaten for his 36 runs off 28 balls as Quetta finished their innings at 136-9.
Umaid Asif and Wahab Riaz also took two wickets each while Fabian Allen clinched one wicket.
Earlier, the half-centuries from Kamran Akmal and David miller a late onslaught from Rovman Powell helped Peshawar Zalmi to post a daunting 198 runs target for Quetta Gladiators.
After putting into bat, Zalmi were soon in trouble as they lost— Haider Ali (0) and Shoaib Malik (2) — were sent packing within three overs by Mohammad Nawaz.
However, Kamran Akmal and David Miller slowly stabilise the innings after going lose and thrashed every bowler sent their way to build a partnership of 125 runs that helped their team bounce back.
However, Mohammad Hasnain struck back for Quetta as he sent Akmal (59) back to the pavilion, while Khurram Shahzad bowled out Miller after a few overs, at 73 runs.
Following their dismissal, Rovman Powell (43) became the torchbearer for Zalmi as he kept the score ticking with some impressive shots. He struck five sixes and a four in his 19-ball innings. Nawaz was able to secure two wickets, while Shahzad and Hasnain picked up a wicket each.
The Sarfaraz-led Gladiators have brought in Cameron Delport for the ruled-out Andre Russell and Zakir Khan in for Jack Wildermuth.
Squads:
Peshawar Zalmi: Wahab Riaz (c), Abrar Ahmed, Amad Butt, Bismillah Khan, David Miller (partially available), Fabian Allen (partially available), Fidel Edwards (partially available), Haider Ali, Hazratullah Zazai, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Amir Khan, Mohammad Irfan Snr, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Mohammad Imran Randhawa, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Shoaib Malik, Umaid Asif, and Waqar Salamkheil
Quetta Gladiators: Sarfaraz Ahmed (c), Abdul Nasir, Andre Russell (partially available), Arish Ali Khan, Azam Khan, Cameron Delport, Faf du Plessis, Hassan Khan, Jack Wildermuth, Jake Weatherald, Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Usman Shinwari, Zahid Mahmood and Zahir Khan.