Tariq, Rossouw power Quetta Gladiators to victory over Lahore Qalandars

KARACHI: Usman Tariq’s three wickets, backed by Rilee Rossouw’s unbeaten half-century, propelled Quetta Gladiators to a six-wicket win over Lahore Qalandars in the 26th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Friday.

The Gladiators chased down 135 in 16.2 overs, losing only four wickets in the process.

Lahore Qalandars piled on a miserable start on Quetta Gladiators as they lost their openers in the first two overs. Shamyl Hussain was caught for a duck while Shakeel was run out for one.

With the side in deep trouble at 11-2, Hassan Nawaz and Rilee Rossouw launched a recovery, forging a 104-run partnership that took the game away from Qalandars.

The pair batted with great composure and took the score to 115 in 13.4 overs. Nawaz made 49 off 32, striking two sixes and six fours.

Meanwhile, Rossouw remained until the end, ensuring his team crossed the line. The left-handed batter struck five fours and two sixes in his 60* off 49 balls.

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For Lahore Qalandars, Sikandar Raza, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf picked up one wicket each.

Earlier, a three-wicket haul from Usman Tariq bundled out Lahore Qalandars for a mere total. Qalandars could not capitalize on the decision to bat first as were bowled out for 134 on the final ball of the innings.

Mohammad Naeem and Fakhar Zaman added 20 for the opening wicket partnership before both batters fell in quick succession.

Naeem made four while Fakhar hit three boundaries in his 20 from 11 balls.

Quetta Gladiators continued to check Qalandars’ progress as they lost their third wicket in the powerplay. Charith Asalanka was caught for six as the defending champions were reduced to 36-3 in 4.4 overs.

The Qalandars continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, with none of their batters getting going. At the halfway mark of the innings, they were in dire straits with six down for 60 runs.

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Haseebullah Khan top-scored with 33 off 37 balls, hitting four boundaries.

The pattern continued till the final over for Qalandars, but thanks to some lusty blows from Usama Mir, who took them to a fighting total. Mir scored 22 from seven with the aid of three sixes.

For Quetta Gladiators, Jahandad Khan and Usman Tariq took three wickets each.

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