Zalmi beats Gladiators in nail-biting clash

From Zeeshan Mirza

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi beat Quetta Gladiators by five wickets in the second match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the National Stadium in Karachi, opening their tournament on a positive note.

Gladiator’s innings
Openers William Smeed and Ahsan Ali had earlier punished COVID-hit Peshawar Zalmi and helped Quetta Gladiators put up a massive 190/4 score on the board.

Will Smeed made 97 off 62 balls, with the help of 11 fours and four sixes, while Ahsan Ali smashed 73 off 46 balls with the help of eight fours and three sixes.

The powerplay was sensational for the Gladiators as they managed to amass 62 runs — Ahsan Ali (28 runs off 16 balls) and Will Smeed (31 runs off 20 balls).

Till the 16th over, the Gladiators were sailing smoothly, and both the batters did not leave any opportunity to punish the Zalmi bowlers — no matter who was sent their way.

The openers made a 151-run opening stand.