PSL 11: Peshawar Zalmi defeat Quetta Gladiators by 118 runs

Karachi (Web Desk): Peshawar Zalmi produced a commanding all-round display to overpower Quetta Gladiators by 118 runs in the 29th fixture of the eleventh season of Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium on Sunday.

Opting to field first after winning the toss, Quetta were made to regret the decision as Zalmi’s batting unit unleashed a relentless assault, posting a towering 255 for 3 in their 20 overs.

Set a daunting target of 256, the Gladiators never found their footing in the chase and were eventually dismissed for 137 in 18.1 overs, as Zalmi closed out a one-sided contest with ease.

Quetta’s innings unraveled early under sustained pressure from Zalmi’s bowlers, with wickets falling at steady intervals that never allowed any meaningful recovery. Bevon Jacobs provided the highest score for his side with 34, while Shamil Hussain contributed 21 and Dinesh Chandimal added 19.

Skipper Saud Shakeel’s struggle continued as he managed just 12 runs, and the middle and lower order failed to mount any resistance. Alzarri Joseph remained unbeaten on 19, offering late resistance but far too little to alter the outcome.

Zalmi’s bowling attack was sharply effective, with Muhammad Basit and Ali Raza leading the charge by claiming three wickets each. Aaron Hardie supported with two scalps, while Sufiyan Muqeem and Michael Bracewell also chipped in with a wicket apiece, maintaining control throughout the innings.

The foundation of Zalmi’s massive total was laid by a masterclass from captain Babar Azam, who played an unbeaten innings of 100 off 52 deliveries, decorated with four sixes and six boundaries.

Kusal Mendis was equally destructive at the top, hammering 83 runs with 10 fours and three sixes to keep the scoring rate soaring. Further contributions came from Farhan Yousuf, who made 19, and Mohammad Haris with 16, while Aaron Hardie added a finishing flourish with an unbeaten 26 to push the total beyond the 250 mark.

For Quetta Gladiators, the bowling effort saw Alzarri Joseph, Abrar Ahmed, and Usman Tariq each pick up a wicket, though they were largely unable to stem the flow of runs.

Despite choosing to bowl first, Quetta’s plans backfired as Zalmi dictated terms from the outset, delivering a comprehensive victory built on batting dominance and disciplined bowling.