The Quetta Gladiators delivered a clinical performance against Peshawar Zalmi in the 17th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, securing a massive 64-run win at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Faheem Ashraf emerged as the hero of the night, claiming a sensational five-wicket haul (5/33) to dismantle Zalmi’s batting lineup and earning the well-deserved Player of the Match award.
Match Recap: Quetta’s All-Round Dominance
Quetta Gladiators Post a Competitive 178/7
Batting first, Quetta Gladiators put up a challenging total of 178/7 in their 20 overs. The innings was built on solid contributions from multiple batters, with Saud Shakeel leading the charge. The Gladiators adopted an aggressive approach, aiming for a high score, and their strategy paid off as the pitch conditions proved tricky for the chasing side.
Peshawar Zalmi Collapse to 114 All Out
In response, Peshawar Zalmi faltered right from the start, losing key wickets early. Babar Azam, Zalmi’s captain and batting mainstay, fell in the third over to Mohammad Amir, setting the tone for a disastrous chase. Only Hussain Talat (31) showed some resistance, while the rest of the lineup crumbled against Quetta’s relentless bowling attack.
Faheem Ashraf’s brilliant fifer (5/33) was the highlight, as he exploited the uneven bounce and extra pace of the surface. The Gladiators’ pacers—Mohammad Amir, Khurram Shahzad, and Mohammad Wasim Jr—bowled with precision, sticking to a back-of-a-length strategy that made scoring difficult.
Key Takeaways from the Match
1. Faheem Ashraf’s Match-Winning Spell
Ashraf’s ability to strike at crucial moments dismantled Peshawar’s chase. His variations and intelligent use of the pitch conditions made him unplayable at times.
2. Quetta’s Bowling Attack – One of the Best in PSL 2025
The Gladiators’ pace battery proved too hot to handle. Amir’s early breakthrough, Shahzad’s tight lines, and Wasim’s relentless accuracy showcased why they are among the most feared bowling units this season.
3. Peshawar’s Batting Woes Continue
Apart from Talat, no Zalmi batter crossed 20 runs, highlighting their over-reliance on Babar Azam. The middle order needs to step up if they hope to stay in contention for the playoffs.
Post-Match Reactions
Faheem Ashraf (Player of the Match)
“The pitch was totally different today—the length ball was bouncing more than usual. I’m always ready to bowl at any stage and prepare accordingly. We didn’t have a fixed target but aimed for a competitive total, and the bowlers did the rest.”
Points Table Impact
With this win, Quetta Gladiators jump to third place, while Peshawar Zalmi slip to fifth, making their playoff chances increasingly difficult.
Final Thoughts
Quetta’s comprehensive victory was a testament to their balanced squad and smart execution. Peshawar, on the other hand, must regroup quickly to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Stay tuned for more PSL 2025 action! 🏏🔥
