Peshawar Zalmi Clinch Playoffs Berth with Thumping Win over Quetta Gladiators
Peshawar Zalmi secured their place in the playoffs of the 2024 HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) with a dominant 76-run victory over Quetta Gladiators at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday night.
Zalmi posted a competitive 196 on the board, batting first. Openers Babar Azam (53) and Saim Ayub (30) provided a flying start with a 46-run stand before Saim was dismissed by Sohail Khan. Mohammad Haris (24) and Babar continued the momentum with a 47-run partnership.
Following Babar’s dismissal, wickets fell at regular intervals, but a late surge by Rovman Powell (28 not out) and Naveen-ul-Haq (10 not out) propelled Zalmi to a fighting total.
Akeal Hosein starred with the ball for Quetta, claiming a hat-trick – the first of PSL 9 – en route to his four-wicket haul.
Chasing a challenging target, Quetta openers Saud Shakeel and Jason Roy mirrored Zalmi’s start with a 46-run stand. However, the introduction of spin triggered a collapse.
Mehran Khan provided the breakthrough, dismissing both openers within a few overs. Saim Ayub then delivered a double-wicket maiden over, further denting Quetta’s hopes.
None of the middle-order batsmen could build a significant partnership, as Quetta were eventually bundled out for a meager 120 in 17.5 overs. Mehran and Khurram Shah bagged two wickets each for Zalmi.
This victory not only secures a playoff spot for Peshawar Zalmi but also extends their remarkable record of qualifying for the postseason in all nine editions of the HBL PSL.
Mehran Khan (2-22) picked up the crucial wicket of Saud, while Saim Ayub (2-14) bagged a double-wicket over to dismantle the Quetta batting order.
None of the Quetta batsmen, apart from the openers, could manage significant contributions. Khurram Shehzad, playing his first match of the season, chipped in with two wickets, while Naveen (1-17) and Luke Wood (1-20) shared the remaining spoils. Quetta were eventually bundled out for a meager 120 runs, handing Zalmi a convincing win.
This victory not only secures a playoff spot for Zalmi but also extends their remarkable record of qualifying for the postseason in all nine editions of the HBL PSL.
