Quetta Gladiators kicked off their Pakistan Super League (PSL) campaign with a resounding victory, thanks to a formidable 157-run partnership between openers Jason Roy and Saud Shakeel. The team’s reshuffled lineup proved to be a winning formula, allowing them to triumph over Peshawar Zalmi by 16 runs. One of the significant changes for Quetta Gladiators this season was appointing South African batsman Rilee Rossouw as their new captain, taking the reins from veteran Sarfaraz Ahmed.
Rossouw’s appointment marks a significant shift in leadership for the Gladiators, as Sarfaraz had been captaining the team for the past eight years. This change in leadership brings fresh strategies and perspectives to the team, which were evident in their successful performance against Peshawar Zalmi. In addition to Rossouw’s captaincy, Saud Shakeel has been named his deputy, adding further depth and stability to the team’s management. With this renewed leadership and a solid start to the season, Quetta Gladiators are setting the stage for an exciting and competitive PSL campaign.
Quetta Gladiators kicked off their Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9 campaign with a resounding victory, defeating Peshawar Zalmi by 16 runs in an exhilarating high-scoring match at Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium. The Gladiators’ revamped lineup showcased a strategic blend of international prowess and local talent, setting the stage for a thrilling PSL season ahead.
Chasing an imposing total of 207 runs, Peshawar Zalmi’s Saim Ayub and Babar Azam commenced with a solid 70-run partnership during the powerplay. However, Quetta Gladiators’ Rilee Rossouw executed a crucial run-out to dismiss Saim (42 runs, 26 balls, 2 fours, and 3 sixes), shifting the momentum in Quetta’s favor. As the game progressed, Akeal Hosein secured the wicket of Mohammad Haris (7 runs, 6 balls, 1 four) in the 11th over, further bolstering Quetta’s position.
Despite a 39-run third-wicket partnership between Tom Kohler-Cadmore (18 runs, 18 balls, 1 six) and Babar Azam, the latter fell prey to Abrar Ahmed’s bowling on the first ball of the 16th over. Babar’s impressive 68 runs off 42 balls, featuring four boundaries and an equal number of maximums, earned him the distinction of becoming the first batter in HBL PSL history to surpass 3,000 runs.
Abrar Ahmed continued his effective spell by claiming the wicket of Kohler-Cadmore just two balls later, leaving Zalmi at a precarious 150-4. With 57 runs still required from 26 balls, Dan Mousely joined forces with Rovman Powell in a valiant attempt to salvage the innings. Mousely managed to strike a much-needed six off Mohammad Amir’s bowling on the final delivery of the 17th over.
Returning for the 19th over, Amir turned the tables by dismissing the threatening Powell, whose quickfire 17 runs from nine balls had briefly rekindled Zalmi’s hopes. Conceding just six runs in the penultimate over, Amir tightened the screws on the opposition. With 25 runs needed from the last over, Wasim Jr. conceded only eight while picking up the vital wicket of Mousely, effectively sealing Quetta Gladiators’ victory.
In a triumphant return to competitive cricket following an injury, Abrar Ahmed delivered an outstanding performance, giving away 29 runs and snaring two prized scalps. Mohammad Amir, Akeal Hosein, and Muhammad Hasnain each contributed one wicket to Quetta’s decisive win. As Quetta Gladiators aim to reclaim their past glory in PSL season 9, this exhilarating victory sets the stage for a promising campaign.
“An all-round performance by the #PurpleForce to seal the win in our opening encounter,” Quetta Gladiators said on X, following the win.
Earlier in the match, Peshawar Zalmi won the toss and elected to field first. Quetta Gladiators responded by getting off to an explosive start, with openers Saud Shakeel and Jason Roy displaying breathtaking strokes. The pair quickly reached a 50-run partnership in just 4.4 overs and continued their onslaught, crossing the 100-run mark by the halfway point of the innings.
Roy reached his half-century in the 11th over, scoring a blistering 50 off 29 balls. He scored 75 off 48 balls, including nine boundaries and two sixes. Saud Shakeel also notched up his maiden PSL fifty, scoring 74 off 47 balls, with six fours and four sixes to his name.
Quetta skipper Rilee Rossouw joined the party, hitting a six and a four quickly to contribute a quickfire 14 off 7 balls. However, he was soon dismissed by Mohammad Zeeshan, who crashed a full-pitched slower ball into his stumps.
Salman Irshad ended Roy’s innings, catching him at mid-wicket after scoring 75 off 48 balls. Salman claimed two more wickets in the last over, dismissing Sherfane Rutherford (20 off 13 balls) and Mohammad Wasim Jr. (4 off 2 balls). Quetta Gladiators posted a formidable 206/5 in their 20 overs, marking their first instance of crossing the 200-run mark in the current edition of the PSL.
For Peshawar Zalmi, Salman picked up three wickets, while Luke Wood and Mohammad Zeeshan managed one wicket each. The stage was set for an exciting chase, with Peshawar Zalmi needing 207 runs to win the match.
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