PSL 10: Faheem dazzles with five-for as Quetta Gladiators crush Peshawar Zalmi

LAHORE: Faheem Ashraf’s impressive five-wicket haul powered Quetta Gladiators to a dominant 64-run victory over Peshawar Zalmi in the 17th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing a challenging total of 179, Peshawar Zalmi were bundled out for 114 in 15.2 overs.

Peshawar Zalmi’s chase started on a shaky note as they lost their top three batters inside the powerplay. Saim Ayub (5) was the first to be dismissed in the second over, with the score at 17.

Babar Azam (12) fell to Mohammad Amir for the second time in this PSL in the third over, while Tom Kohler-Cadmore (5) was bowled by Mohammad Wasim Jr., leaving them three down for 33 in 4.3 overs.

Mohammad Haris on the other end showed some resistance, scoring 16 off 17 balls, with the help of a four and a six, before being dismissed.

After the early setbacks, Peshawar Zalmi struggled to gain momentum in the chase. Zalmi’s power hitters Abdul Samad (2) and Mitchell Owen (15) failed to make an impact and were also dismissed in quick succession.

At one stage, Zalmi were reeling at 81-7 in the 10th over before Hussain Talat’s determined innings helped them cross the 100-run mark. He remained the top scorer with 39 off 34 balls, featuring two sixes and four fours.

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For Quetta Gladiators, Faheem Ashraf was the stand-out bowler, taking five for 33 in 3.2 overs. Khurram Shahzad was clinical as well, taking two wickets.

Earlier, Finn Allen’s brisk start and Kusal Mendis’ determined knock took Quetta Gladiators to an impressive total against Peshawar Zalmi.

Put into bat, Quetta Gladiators posted 178 for the loss of seven wickets in their allocated 20 overs.

Quetta Gladiators were off to a flying start, scoring 46 runs in just 4.3 overs. Finn Allen played an aggressive knock, scoring 31 off 16 balls, smashing two sixes and four fours before getting out.

The wicket, however, did not halt Quetta Gladiators’ momentum as Rilee Rossouw partnered with Saud Shakeel for a 45-run partnership, taking the score to 91 in 9.3 overs. Rossouw led the charge with 27 off 18 balls while Saud batted cautiously.

The experienced Rossouw’s innings, laced with five fours, was ended by Saim Ayub. Soon after, Saud followed him on the 11th over after a sluggish 32 off 26 balls, an innings that featured five fours.

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Peshawar Zalmi sensed a comeback after conceding 105 runs in 11 Overs,; however, Kusal Mendis and Mark Chapman took their time and steadied the innings with a 39-run partnership, bringing the score to 144.

Kusal scored 32 off 27 deliveries, hitting five fours before being dismissed on the last ball of the 16th over, while Chapman was removed in the 18th over after scoring 33 off 26 balls, hitting three fours.

In the final overs, Peshawar Zalmi’s bowlers did well, restricting Quetta from posting a massive total.

For Peshawar Zalmi, Alzarri Joseph was the standout bowler, taking three wickets in his four overs, while Saim Ayub took two wickets.

PLAYING XIs

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Tom Kohler Cadmore, Hussain Talat, Mitch Owen, Abdul Samad, Luke Wood, Alzari Joseph, Sufyan Muqeem, Ali Raza

Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel (c), Abrar Ahmed, Hassan Nawaz, Kusal Mendis (wk), Mark Chapman, Rilee Rossouw, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Faheem Ashraf, Khurram Shahzad, Fin Allen