Quetta Gladiators vs Peshawar Zalmi: Quetta Crushes Zalmi by 80 Runs in Electrifying PSL 10 Opener

A night to remember as Quetta Gladiators dominate Peshawar Zalmi in Rawalpindi – setting the stage for a thrilling PSL 2025 season

PSL 10: A Grand Opening with High-Octane Action

The much-anticipated Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 Season 10 got underway in Rawalpindi on April 12 with a bang, as Quetta Gladiators delivered a dominant 80-run victory over Peshawar Zalmi. This opening clash not only kicked off the tournament in style but also showcased Quetta’s depth, strategy, and hunger to reclaim PSL glory.

First Innings: Quetta’s Batting Masterclass

After winning the toss, Quetta Gladiators elected to bat, and the decision proved fruitful from the very first ball. Their top-order displayed sheer intent and fearless cricket.

Finn Allen Ignites the Fire

New Zealand’s explosive batter Finn Allen set the tone with a blazing 53 runs from just 23 balls. His innings featured five boundaries and four sixes, leaving the Peshawar bowlers scrambling for answers. The way Allen dismantled the pace attack in the powerplay put Quetta in the driver’s seat early on.

Saud Shakeel’s Elegant Half-Century

Allen’s onslaught was beautifully complemented by Pakistan’s stylish batter Saud Shakeel, who crafted a magnificent 59 off 35 balls. He anchored the innings with finesse and rotated the strike intelligently, building a strong partnership with Allen. His knock included precise shot selection and excellent running between the wickets.

Middle-Order Surge: Nawaz, Rossouw & Mendis

As the platform was laid, Hasan Nawaz stepped in with a solid 41 off 32 deliveries, ensuring the momentum didn’t drop. He targeted the spinners with ease and found gaps across the field.

The final overs saw fireworks from Kusal Mendis, who remained unbeaten on 35 off just 14 balls, and Rilee Rossouw, who smashed 21 not out off 10 balls. Their quick finishes helped Quetta Gladiators post a mammoth 216/3 in 20 overs, setting a daunting challenge for Peshawar.

Second Innings: Zalmi’s Chase Crumbles Early

In reply, Peshawar Zalmi needed a strong start. But what unfolded was a nightmare for the 2017 champions.

Babar Azam Dismissed for a Duck

The most shocking moment came early when captain Babar Azam was dismissed for zero in the very first over. Veteran pacer Mohammad Amir struck gold, bowling a dream delivery that sent the stumps flying. This early breakthrough shattered Zalmi’s plans and morale.

Saim Ayub’s Lone Fight

Amidst the chaos, young sensation Saim Ayub stood tall, scoring 50 off 38 deliveries. His innings featured crisp drives and confident pulls, and he tried to stitch partnerships, but lacked support at the other end.

Abrar Ahmed Wreaks Havoc

Quetta’s real match-winner emerged in the form of mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed, who produced a devastating spell of 4 wickets for 42 runs. His googlies, flight, and variations bamboozled the Zalmi batters. The dismissals of Rovman Powell and Mohammad Haris within a few deliveries completely derailed the chase.

Rapid Collapse and All Out for 136

Despite a few big hits from Hussain Talat (35 off 19) and Mitchell Owen (31 off 13), the resistance was short-lived. Quetta’s bowling attack was relentless. Usman Tariq also chipped in with 2 wickets for 26 runs, and Mohammad Amir added 2/11 in his 3 overs.

Zalmi collapsed to 136 all out in just 15.1 overs, handing Quetta Gladiators a thumping 80-run win.

Full Match Scorecard Snapshot

Quetta Gladiators – 216/3 (20 overs)

• Saud Shakeel: 59 (35)

• Finn Allen: 53 (23)

• Hasan Nawaz: 41 (32)

• Kusal Mendis: 35* (14)

• Rilee Rossouw: 21* (10)

Peshawar Zalmi – 136 all out (15.1 overs)

• Saim Ayub: 50 (38)

• Hussain Talat: 35 (19)

• Mitchell Owen: 31 (13)

Quetta Bowling Highlights

• Abrar Ahmed: 4/42 (4 overs)

• Mohammad Amir: 2/11 (3 overs)

• Usman Tariq: 2/26 (3.1 overs)

Player of the Match: Abrar Ahmed

For his match-defining spell, Abrar Ahmed was awarded the Player of the Match. His ability to break partnerships and control the middle overs proved decisive in turning the game heavily in Quetta’s favor.

Analysis and Impact

This win puts Quetta Gladiators at the top of the PSL 10 points table and sends a strong message to other teams. With a fiery batting lineup and a dangerous spin attack, they seem poised to make a deep run this season.

Peshawar Zalmi, however, face tough questions. The early dismissal of Babar, failure of the middle order, and lackluster bowling effort underline their inconsistencies. They must regroup quickly to stay in the competition.

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Upcoming Fixtures and What to Expect

Quetta Gladiators will take on [next opponent] in their second match, hoping to continue their dominant form. On the other hand, Peshawar Zalmi needs to bounce back quickly as they face [next opponent] with pressure mounting on Babar Azam and the coaching staff.

Fan Reactions & Social Media Buzz

The cricket community erupted with praise for Quetta's electric performance. From Finn Allen’s explosive start to Abrar’s spin magic, Twitter and Facebook were flooded with highlights, memes, and excitement.

#QuettaGladiators, #PSL10, #BabarAzam, #AbrarAhmed, and #FinnAllen were all trending within minutes.

Conclusion: Statement Made by Quetta

The 80-run win is not just a number—it’s a statement of intent. Quetta Gladiators look well-balanced, dangerous, and focused. Peshawar Zalmi, meanwhile, have a lot to work on if they aim to compete at the top in PSL 2025.

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