PSL 9: Zalmi qualify for Playoffs after beating Gladiators by 79 runs

Rawalpindi: Peshawar Zalmi secured their spot in the playoffs by defeating Quetta Gladiators by 76 runs on Friday evening.

In the 25th match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9, Gladiators' skipper Riley Rossouw won the toss and opted to field first against Peshawar Zalmi at Rawalpindi stadium. Despite Gladiators' efforts, Peshawar Zalmi managed to post a total of 196 runs with a loss of 8 wickets within the stipulated 20 overs.

Chasing a target of 197 runs, the Gladiators' batting lineup struggled and was dismissed for 120 runs by the 18th over. Saud Shakeel contributed 24 runs, Jason Roy scored 16 runs, while Riley Rossouw, Sohail Khan, and Khurram Nawaz managed 8, 7, and 5 runs respectively. Abraar Ahmed was dismissed without scoring.

From Peshawar Zalmi's bowling attack, Saqib Mahmood, Liam Livingstone, Khurram Shahzad, and Mohammad Imran claimed 2 wickets each, while Nawin-ul-Haq and Amir Jamal secured one wicket each.

Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi's Captain Babar Azam led the charge with 53 runs, supported by Saqib Mahmood with 30 runs, Cadmore with 33 runs, Mohammad Haris with 20 runs, and Haider Ali with 6 runs. Rovman Powell remained unbeaten with 28 runs.

On the other hand, Aaqib Hussain shone for Quetta Gladiators, taking 4 wickets, while Sohail Khan, Mohammad Hasnain, and Abraar Ahmed managed to take one wicket each.

Playing XIs:

Quetta Gladiators: Jason Roy, Saud Shakeel, Khawaja Nafay, Rilee Rossouw (c), Omair Bin Yousuf, Laurie Evans (wk) , Akeal Hosein, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed, Sohail Khan

Peshawar Zalmi: Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Haris (wk), Tom Kohler Cadmore, Haseebullah Khan, Rovman Powell, Aamer Jamal, Luke Wood, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mehran Mumtaz, Khurram Shahzad