In an electrifying start to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, the Quetta Gladiators set a formidable target of 217 runs for Peshawar Zalmi in the second match held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on April 12, 2025. The Gladiators, led by captain Saud Shakeel, showcased a powerful batting performance, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
Quetta's innings was anchored by standout performances from their top order. Opener Saud Shakeel played a composed yet aggressive innings, scoring 59 runs off 39 balls. His knock was complemented by the explosive Finn Allen, who contributed a brisk 53 runs from just 30 deliveries. Youngster Hassan Nawaz also made a significant impact, adding 41 runs off 32 balls before being dismissed.
The finishing touches to Quetta's innings came from experienced campaigners Rilee Rossouw and Kusal Mendis. Rossouw remained unbeaten on 21, while Mendis closed the innings with a solid 35 not out, guiding Quetta past the 200-run mark without further damage. The Gladiators posted a total of 216 runs for the loss of just three wickets in their allotted overs.
Peshawar Zalmi’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs on the flat Rawalpindi pitch. Ali Raza, Alzarri Joseph, and Sufiyan Muqeem managed to take one wicket each, but the team as a whole found it challenging to rein in the scoring rate.
Earlier in the match, Peshawar Zalmi, captained by Babar Azam, won the toss and elected to bowl first. This decision was made with the hope of utilizing the pitch conditions to their advantage. The match marked the first game of the season for both teams, setting the stage for an intense competition.
The playing XI for Peshawar Zalmi included Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Ali, Hussain Talat, Sufiyan Muqeem, Max Bryant, Ali Raza, Alzarri Joseph, and Mitch Owen. Meanwhile, Quetta Gladiators fielded Saud Shakeel (c), Faheem Ashraf, Shoaib Malik, Finn Allen, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, Rilee Rossouw, Kyle Jamieson, Usman Tariq, Hasan Nawaz, and Kusal Mendis.
This match is part of the tenth edition of the PSL, which runs from April 11 to May 18, 2025. A total of 34 matches will be played throughout the tournament, with Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium hosting 13 matches, including the two Eliminators and the final. Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will see 11 matches, including the first Qualifier on May 13, while Karachi’s National Bank Stadium and Multan Cricket Stadium will host five matches each.
As the PSL 2025 season kicks off, cricket fans are eager to witness the action unfold. Karachi Kings are set to begin their campaign against Multan Sultans later today, promising another thrilling encounter.
With temperatures soaring around 88°F, the players will need to maintain their stamina and focus. Both teams have been fine-tuning their strategies with intense training sessions leading up to the match, leaving no stone unturned in their preparation.
The rivalry between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators adds an extra layer of excitement to the match. Historically, both teams have shared championship glory, with Zalmi lifting the trophy in 2016-17 and Gladiators tasting victory in 2018-19. This legacy sets the stage for a fierce battle on the field.
As the match progresses, all eyes will be on the performance of both teams, especially the young talents and seasoned players who can turn the tide. Will Peshawar Zalmi manage to chase down the daunting target, or will Quetta Gladiators defend their total successfully? The answer lies in the unfolding drama of the PSL 2025.
