Quetta Gladiators showcased their resurgence in style, securing a commanding 64-run win over Peshawar Zalmi, thanks to a brilliant five-wicket haul from Faheem Ashraf. Chasing 179 for victory, Zalmi were bundled out for just 114, with Faheem’s devastating spell dismantling their batting order.
After being asked to bat first, the Gladiators started aggressively. Finn Allen led the early charge, blasting a quickfire 31 off just 16 balls. Following his dismissal, Rilee Rossouw took over, smashing four boundaries in the final over of the powerplay as Quetta surged to 67 for 1 after six overs.
However, Zalmi clawed their way back during the middle overs, with spinners Sufiyan Muqeem and Saim Ayub bowling tightly and picking up crucial wickets. Ayub dismissed Rossouw in the 10th over, and Saud Shakeel’s slow innings also ended soon after. Tight spells from Ali Raza and Alzarri Joseph further pegged Quetta back, restricting them to a manageable total.
Mark Chapman’s late blitz, featuring three boundaries in one over, pushed the Gladiators to 178 for 7. Despite this, Zalmi would have been reasonably satisfied with their effort, especially after containing the powerplay onslaught.
Peshawar Zalmi’s chase started with a flourish as Saim Ayub and Babar Azam found early boundaries. However, their momentum was short-lived. Faheem Ashraf, using the pitch’s bounce cleverly, dismissed Ayub, while Mohammad Amir trapped Babar Azam LBW just four balls later.
With Zalmi reeling, Mohammad Wasim Jr. produced a peach to bowl Tom Kohler-Cadmore, leaving the batting side in disarray at 32 for 3. As Zalmi attempted to consolidate, they lost wickets regularly. Mohammad Haris’s dismissal to Rossouw at long-on further dented their hopes, followed swiftly by Abdul Samad falling to Faheem.
Quetta Gladiators maintained relentless pressure, refusing to allow any lower-order fightback. Mitchell Owen offered a brief cameo, but Khurram Shahzad and Alzarri Joseph quickly wrapped up the tail, with Kusal Mendis taking a sharp catch behind the stumps.
Hussain Talat fought bravely for a 34-ball 39 but was eventually deceived by Abrar Ahmed’s flight. In fitting fashion, Faheem Ashraf completed his maiden five-wicket haul in the Pakistan Super League by dismissing Sufiyan Muqeem, sealing Quetta’s dominant win early.
This comprehensive victory further cements Quetta Gladiators’ return to form, while Faheem’s outstanding spell will be remembered as a defining moment of the match.