Zalmi knock out Gladiators after nail biting contest

Peshawar Zalmi have successfully defended 157 against Quetta Gladiators to book a spot in the second eliminator against Karachi Kings on Tuesday.

The Gladiators were restricted to 156 thanks to brilliant bowling by Hasan Ali and Wahab Riaz in the death overs of the game.

Sarfraz and Co. went off a disastrous star to their innings as their both openers Asad Shafiq and T Kohler-Cadmore went in the dugout with just 17 runs on the score board.

However, Mohammad Nawaz and skipper Sarfraz batted responsibly and took the team total to 80 before throwing their wickets away to Sameen Gul. Both batsmen made 35 each.

Mahmudullah chipped in but was bowled by Umaid. The things got very interesting when Quetta required 25 in the last over. Anwar Ali smashed 23 in the last over of the game and guided the total to 156 runs.

Umaid, Wahab Riaz, Sameen Gul and Hasan Ali picked up two wickets each for the Zalmi.

Earlier, Liam Dawson’s half century guided Peshawar Zalmi to a respectable 157 runs total against Quetta Gladiators in the first eliminator.

After losing the toss, the defending champions were put into bat by Sarfraz Ahmed. The Zalmi lost their two wickets early in the innings with only 10 runs on the score board.

Mohammad Hafeez and Tamim Iqbal batted responsibly and took the team total to pass 50 runs mark. After scoring classy 25, Mohammad Hafeez was bowled by Mahmudullah.

Following the departure of Hafeez, Quetta got another breakthrough in shape of Tamim, who scored 27.

With four batsmen back in the pavilion for Zalmi at the score of 58, Dawson arrived on the occasion with authority. He ripped apart Gladiators bowling attack and guide the total to 157. Dowson made unbeaten 62.

Rahat Ali was the most successful bowler for Sarfraz and Co. as he bagged four wickets while Mohammad Nawaz, Mahmudullah and Hasan Khan picked up a wicket each for the Gladiators.

Now Peshawar Zalmi will face Karachi Kings in the second eliminator tomorrow (Wednesday).