PSL 2025: Quetta Gladiators Crush Peshawar Zalmi by 80 Runs, Abrar Ahmed Spins Web Arbound Babar Azam and Co

Add as a preferred source on Google

PSL 2025: Quetta Gladiators opened their Pakistan Super League 2025 campaign in ruthless fashion, dismantling Peshawar Zalmi by 80 runs in Rawalpindi on Saturday. A complete performance with both bat and ball saw the Gladiators post a daunting 216/3 before bowling out their opponents for a paltry 136 in just 15.1 overs.

Finn Allen set the tone for Quetta's dominance early on, smashing a blazing 53 off 24 balls. The Kiwi opener was in no mood to settle, launching into the Peshawar bowling from the outset.

His fireworks, coupled with a fluent 59 off 42 from Saud Shakeel, ensured that Quetta capitalised on the powerplay, with the duo stitching a commanding 88-run stand. Though Allen fell after the powerplay, Quetta showed no signs of slowing down. Hasan Nawaz provided further impetus with a quickfire 41, while Kusal Mendis' unbeaten 35 off just 17 deliveries added the finishing flourish.

Rilee Rossouw chipped in with a breezy 21* as the pair added 58 off just 26 balls in the death overs. Peshawar's bowlers, especially Alzarri Joseph who leaked 46 in his four overs, had no answers to the onslaught.

In reply, Zalmi's chase faltered from the very beginning. The early dismissal of skipper Babar Azam for a duck-caught tamely at cover off Mohammad Amir-was a psychological blow from which they never recovered. Saim Ayub tried to counterattack with a 50 off 38, and Hussain Talat briefly reignited hopes with a brisk 35, but regular wickets derailed the pursuit.

Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed proved to be the chief destroyer. He struck twice in one over, removing Mohammad Haris and Tom Kohler-Cadmore, and later returned to dismantle the lower order. He finished with 4/42 in his four overs, his variations too tricky for the Zalmi batters to handle. Usman Tariq provided strong support in the middle overs, breaking a threatening stand by dismissing Talat and debutant Max Bryant in successive balls.

Kyle Jamieson and Mohammad Amir also made crucial contributions with the ball, with Jamieson accounting for the dangerous Ayub with a sharp caught-and-bowled and Amir setting the tone in the powerplay. The fielding effort was equally sharp, highlighted by a direct hit from Sean Abbott to run out Alzarri Joseph.

The only bright spot in Peshawar's forgettable evening was Mitchell Owen's cameo-31 off just 13 balls, including four sixes. But by then, the result was inevitable. From 93/3, Zalmi collapsed spectacularly to lose seven wickets for just 43 runs.

With this thumping win, Quetta Gladiators have not only bagged two points but also sent a strong message to the rest of the league. Their batting firepower and potent bowling attack-led by a resurgent Abrar Ahmed-could well make them serious contenders this season.