Gladiators dominate Zalmi with comprehensive 64-run victory

LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators recorded a commanding 64-run victory over Peshawar Zalmi in the 17th match of Pakistan Super League 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday night, bowling out their opponents for a paltry 114 -- Zalmi’s lowest ever total in PSL history.

After posting a competitive 178/7 in their allotted 20 overs, Quetta’s bowlers dismantled the Peshawar batting lineup in just 15.2 overs, with Faheem Ashraf delivering a devastating spell of 5/33 to spearhead the attack.

Peshawar’s chase got off to a disastrous start, losing both openers inside the powerplay. Saim Ayub (5 off 4) fell in just the second over, while captain Babar Azam (12 off 7) unsuccessfully challenged his dismissal before departing in the third over with the score at just 21. Tom Kohler-Cadmore (5) and Mohammad Haris (17 off 16) couldn’t stabilize the innings, both falling before the 50-run mark was reached. Abdul Samad’s brief stay yielded only 2 runs as Zalmi slumped to 50/5 by the eighth over.

Hussain Talat waged a lone battle with a fighting 39 off 34 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes, but found little support from the other end. Mitchell Owen (15 off 8) provided a brief flurry of resistance with a four and a six before becoming part of a middle-order collapse that saw three wickets fall in the space of four deliveries.

Quetta’s bowling attack was led by an outstanding Faheem Ashraf, who claimed a five-wicket haul (5/33), while Khurram Shahzad provided excellent support with 2/9. Mohammad Amir (1/18), Mohammad Wasim (1/21), and Abrar Ahmed (1/30) each contributed with a wicket apiece in a disciplined bowling display.

The Gladiators’ bowling unit systematically dismantled Zalmi’s batting order, never allowing them to build momentum after a strong powerplay performance that saw Peshawar reduced to 41/3 within the first six overs.

Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to field, Peshawar Zalmi’s decision appeared questionable as Quetta’s batters put on a solid display. Finn Allen’s aggressive 31 off 16 balls provided early impetus, while Saud Shakeel (32) and Rilee Rossouw (27) maintained the scoring rate through the middle overs.

Kusal Mendis (32) and Mark Chapman (33) then stabilized the innings with sensible batting, helping the Gladiators reach a competitive 178/7 despite a late flurry of wickets.

For Peshawar, Alzarri Joseph was the standout bowler with 3/33, supported by part-timer Saim Ayub’s impressive 2/24.

The victory strengthens Quetta Gladiators’ position in the tournament while handing Peshawar Zalmi their lowest ever total in PSL history, eclipsing their previous low of 123 against Sultans in February 2020.