Quetta Gladiators kicked off their HBL PSL 9 journey with a thrilling victory against Peshawar Zalmi, securing a 16-run win in a closely contested match at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.
Facing a daunting target of 207 runs, Peshawar Zalmi’s Saim Ayub and Babar Azam made a strong start. Saim smashed a six off Akeal Hosein’s bowling in the second over, while Babar displayed a classy straight drive against Mohammad Amir. However, Amir responded with a fiery bouncer that caught Babar off guard.
Reflecting on his bowling strategy, Amir mentioned that his focus was on taking wickets early on. He praised Babar’s innings but considered his dismissal a crucial turning point in the match.
Peshawar Zalmi faced setbacks as Abrar Ahmed struck twice, dismissing Kohler-Cadmore and Kohler-Cadmore in quick succession. Despite the pressure, Dan Mousley and Rovman Powell put up a valiant effort, accumulating runs and keeping Zalmi in the game.
However, the partnership between Saim and Rossouw was broken by a run-out, shifting the momentum in Gladiators’ favor. Hosein and Abrar Ahmed continued to trouble Zalmi’s batting lineup, claiming crucial wickets.
Babar Azam’s impressive knock of 68 runs off 42 balls was a highlight of the match, making him the first batter to surpass 3000 runs in HBL PSL history. Abrar Ahmed, making a comeback from injury, delivered a stellar bowling performance, conceding only 29 runs and taking two wickets.
Overall, it was an enthralling encounter characterized by intense battles between bat and ball, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams in the tournament.
