Zalmi trounce Gladiators

RAWALPINDI: Peshawar Zalmi became the second team to confirm a place in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 playoffs with a thumping 76-run win over Quetta Gladiators at the Pindi Stadium Friday.

Multan Sultans had already made it to the playoffs with 12 points. Zalmi now have 11 points.

Zalmi set a big victory target of 197 for Gladiators to win. The target proved too stiff for Quetta who managed only 120 runs.

Babar Azam (53) with yet another half century set the tone for a big Zalmi total. Cadmore and Saim Ayub also played well for Zalmi with Roman Powell (28 out out) putting icing on the cake. Akeal Hosein (4-23) was the pick of bowlers for Gladiators.

Mehran Mumtaz (2-22), Sqim Ayub (2-20) and Luke Wood (2-21) then made it easy for Zalmi with some quality bowling. Saud Shakil (24) was the only notable run getter for Quetta. Score: Peshawar Zalmi 196 for 8 in 20 overs (Babar Azam 53, T Cadmore 33, Saim Ayub 30, Roman Powell 28 not out, Akeal Hosein 4-23) Quetta Gladiators 120 all out in 17.5 overs (Saud Shakil 24, Jason Roy 16, Mehran Mumtaz 2-22, Sqim Ayub 2-20, and Luke Wood 2-21).