Gladiators Start PSL 2025 With 80-Run Win Over Zalmi: In a one-sided affair at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Quetta Gladiators outclassed Peshawar Zalmi by 80 runs in the second match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025. After posting a formidable total of 216/3, Quetta’s bowlers dismantled Peshawar’s batting lineup, skittling them out for just 136 in 15.1 overs.
Quetta’s Batting Onslaught
Put in to bat first, Quetta Gladiators got off to a flying start as openers Saud Shakeel (59 off 35) and Finn Allen (53 off 23) unleashed a brutal assault, smashing 65 runs in the powerplay. Their 88-run stand set the tone before Hasan Nawaz (41 off 32) continued the momentum. Late fireworks from Rilee Rossouw (21* off 10) and Kusal Mendis (35* off 14, SR 250) propelled Quetta past 200, leaving Peshawar’s bowlers helpless. Mohammad Ali (0/57) and Alzarri Joseph (1/53) bore the brunt of the onslaught.
Peshawar’s Chase Crumbles Early
Chasing 217, Peshawar Zalmi suffered an early blow when Mohammad Amir dismissed captain Babar Azam for a golden duck in the first over. The collapse worsened as Abrar Ahmed struck twice in the fourth over, removing Mohammad Haris (13) and Tom Kohler-Cadmore (0). Saim Ayub (50 off 38) fought hard, but wickets tumbled at the other end, including Hussain Talat’s quick 35.
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Abrar (4/42) and Usman Tariq (2 wickets in 2 balls) dismantled the middle order, reducing Peshawar to 93/5 in 11 overs. Mitchell Owen’s late cameo (31 off 13) only delayed the inevitable as Peshawar folded for 136 in 15.1 overs.
Key Performances & Turning Points
- Finn Allen & Saud Shakeel’s explosive start (88-run partnership)
- Kusal Mendis & Rilee Rossouw’s death-over blitz (58* off 23 balls)
- Abrar Ahmed’s four-wicket haul breaking Peshawar’s backbone
- Babar Azam’s silver duck setting the tone for Peshawar’s disastrous chase
Quetta Gladiators kickstart their PSL 2025 campaign with a massive win, while Peshawar Zalmi will need to regroup quickly. Abrar Ahmed’s stellar spell earned him Player of the Match honors as Quetta’s all-round dominance sent a strong message to the league.
Brief Scores:
Quetta Gladiators: 216/3 (20 overs) – Saud Shakeel 59, Finn Allen 53, Kusal Mendis 35*
Peshawar Zalmi: 136 all out (15.1 overs) – Saim Ayub 50, Mitchell Owen 31; Abrar Ahmed 4/42
Result: Quetta won by 80 runs.
Player of the Match: Abrar Ahmed (Quetta Gladiators)
Quetta’s comprehensive victory sets them up as early contenders, while Peshawar faces an uphill task to bounce back in the tournament.
