In a thrilling start to their Pakistan Super League (PSL) campaign, Quetta Gladiators emerged victorious with a 16-run win over Peshawar Zalmi at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Opting to bat first, Quetta Gladiators got off to a blazing start with openers Saud Shakeel (74 off 47) and Jason Roy (75 off 48) setting the tone with a formidable 157-run partnership. Despite losing Shakeel in the 16th over, Gladiators managed to post a challenging total of 206/5, thanks to their aggressive batting display.
Chasing a daunting target of 207, Peshawar Zalmi’s opening pair of Saim Ayub (42 off 26) and Babar Azam (68 off 42) provided a strong start with a 91-run partnership. However, Ayub’s run-out turned the tide in Gladiators’ favor, and despite Babar’s valiant effort, Zalmi fell short, finishing at 190/6.
Salman Irshad’s three-wicket haul for Zalmi couldn’t halt Gladiators’ momentum as they secured victory in the tournament opener. Saud Shakeel was awarded the Player of the Match for his stellar performance with the bat, setting the stage for an exciting season of PSL action.
With both teams showcasing their firepower in the opening encounter, fans can expect more exhilarating contests as the PSL unfolds in the coming days.