Quetta Gladiators down Peshawar Zalmi by 16 runs

Quetta Gladiators Sunday defeated Peshawar Zalmi by 16 runs in the 2nd match of the  Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.

Zalmi's side led by Babar Azam failed to chase the 207-run target as Quetta’s bowlers put in a remarkable effort in the death overs to ensure their hard-fought win.

Zalmi had a thrilling start as Saim and Azam were well set on the crease and were heading towards 100 for no loss. However, in the ninth over, a misunderstanding between the two batters cost them a big blow.

Saim lost his wicket after getting run out leaving his side 91-1 in 8.4 overs. In the post-match ceremony, Babar accepted his mistake for the run-out and apologised to the young batter.
Babar and Co. were going swimmingly about their business after that terrific stand between Saim Ayub (42) and Babar Azam (68).

They did the bulk of the scoring, but it looks like they left too much for a middle-order that couldn't settle in and adjust to the conditions quickly enough.

The last ten overs belonged to Quetta Gladiators and that needless runout of Saim allowed Quetta to sneak back into the game.

Abrar Ahmad got some timely wickets in the middle phase and then Mohammad Amir rose to the occasion with some tight overs that made the equation tough for Peshawar.

Earlier, Quetta Gladiators set a taget of 207 runs in 20 overs. Saud Shakeel mastered the opening role and scored a stylish 74 alongside Jason Roy, who was severe on the bowlers right from the word go. He finished on 48-ball 75.

The platform was set, but Quetta Gladiators squandered the opportunity to post an even more imposing total as Peshawar Zalmi managed to pull things back in the last five overs. The spin did well, but there was no specialist spinner in the attack and this Peshawar attack seemed to be lacking in this department.

 After being asked to bat first by Zalmi skipper Babar Azam, the Gladiators were off to a flying start as Jason Roy and Saud Shakil added 157 runs for the first wicket in 14.4 overs.

Roy smashed 75 off 48 balls with nine fours and three sixes, while Saud scored 74 off 47 balls with eight fours and three sixes.

The Zalmi bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught and only managed to take five wickets in the last five overs.

Captain Rilee Rossouw was bowled by Muhammad Zeeshan for 14 off seven balls, while Sherfane Rutherford was caught by Dan Mousely off Salman Irshad for 20 off 10 balls.

Salman Irshad was the most successful bowler for Zalmi with three wickets for 38 runs in four overs. Luke Wood and Zeeshan took one wicket each, but were expensive. Aamer Jamal conceded 29 runs in two overs without any success.