Abu Dhabi: Quetta Gladiators have defended a score of 159 and added solidarity points in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season six against Lahore Qalandars.
Lahore Qalandars managed to score 140 and lost wickets in regular intervals. It is their back-to-back defeat after starting Abu Dhabi’s leg positively by registering two wins.
Earlier, Gladiators scored 158/5 in 20 overs after put into bat first by Lahore Qalandars. Jake Weatherald (48), Azam Khan (33) and captain Sarfaraz Ahmed (34*) were the notable run-scorers for Gladiators.
Gladiators had a shaky start once again as they lost Usman Khan in the second over when he handed a straight catch of deep-cover fielder off James Faulkner.
Australia’s Weatherald stepped up for the first time and had a decent outing with the bat. The left-hander scored a gritty 41-ball 48 with the help of eight fours and a six.
It’s raining 4️⃣s and 6️⃣s in Abu Dhabi 🌧
Lahore should have checked the weather report 👀 #MatchDikhao l #HBLPSL6 I #LQvQG pic.twitter.com/nHOsvoDNnA— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) June 15, 2021
Gladiators had a shock when they lost Cameron Delport (10) and Weatherald in quick succession. Rashid Khan castled Delport’s stumps while Hafeez dismissed Weatharald.
2019 winners had a fresh breath as Azam Khan scored in a hurry. He made 33 off just 18 to give a boost to Gladiators innings. Faulkner picked the prize scalp of Azam. He removed Mohammad Nawaz in the same over.
Azam Khan dealing in 6s here 🔥 #MatchDikhao l #HBLPSL6 I #LQvQG pic.twitter.com/CcSIaOaPBs
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) June 15, 2021
Gladiators managed to score 45 off the last five overs courtesy of Sarfaraz and Hassan Khan. Sarfaraz remained not-out on 34 (27) while Hassan finished on 12 (15).
A SIX by @SarfarazA_54 to close the innings! #MatchDikhao l #HBLPSL6 I #LQvQG pic.twitter.com/GtriJjszP1
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) June 15, 2021
Gladiators bowlers had other plans to execute as they were spot on from the start. Usman Khan Shinwari removed Sohail Akhtar (0) in the first over.
Mohammad Hasnain joined the party and dislodged Fakhar Zaman’s (12) stumps in the fourth over. The trend of dismissals continue with Mohammad Hafeez (1) and Zeeshan Ashraf (16).
Uh oh. @SarfarazA_54 was on guard for this. @ZAshraf_ has to go back. #MatchDikhao l #HBLPSL6 I #LQvQG pic.twitter.com/xalTSKiPJ4
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) June 15, 2021
Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz damaged Qalandars further hopes after he spun Ben Dunk (6) and Rashid Khan (8) in back-to-back overs.
The new hero on the scene of franchise cricket, Tim David single-handedly tried to stabilize Qalandars’ sinking boat.
And #TimDavid is back to get the #HBLPSL Six Counter moving! 🤩#MatchDikhao l #HBLPSL6 I #LQvQG pic.twitter.com/96nOdRMkEF
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) June 15, 2021
He smacked 22 off UAE’s Zahoor Khan first over and took his score into the 40s until he nicked one back to wicketkeeper Sarfaraz off Usman Shinwari.
He made 27-ball 46 with the help of three sixes and four boundaries. Shaheen (12) and Haris (19) tried to reignite the hope of Qalandars, however, they were 18 runs short.
Haris yaar! This was fun to watch 👌🏼 #MatchDikhao l #HBLPSL6 I #LQvQG pic.twitter.com/tBlCV0Ep1u
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) June 15, 2021
For Gladiators, Khurram Shehzad bagged 3/14 while Usman Shinwari took 3/32. Nawaz and Hasnain claimed two wickets each.