Faheem Ashraf’s Five Wicket Haul Sparks Quetta Gladiators’ Triumph
Lahore, April 27, 2025 – Faheem Ashraf’s sensational five wicket haul lit up the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as Quetta Gladiators crushed Peshawar Zalmi by 64 runs in a thrilling encounter. The medium-pacer’s fiery spell dismantled Zalmi’s batting, ensuring a dominant victory for the Gladiators at the Dubai International Stadium.
Match Moment: Faheem Ashraf’s double strike in the powerplay sent Peshawar Zalmi’s star duo, Saim Ayub and Babar Azam, back to the pavilion, setting the tone for Quetta’s commanding performance.
Faheem Ashraf’s Five Wicket Haul Steals the Show
Chasing a challenging 180, Peshawar Zalmi crumbled under pressure, bowled out for a mere 114 in 17.3 overs. Faheem Ashraf was the wrecker-in-chief, finishing with figures of 5-33. His early breakthroughs, dismissing Saim Ayub (4) and Babar Azam (6), left Zalmi at 32-3. Mohammad Amir, the veteran pacer, complemented Faheem’s heroics, striking crucial blows to remove Tom Kohler-Cadmore (12) and Mohammad Haris (22).
Despite a gritty 39 off 34 balls from Hussain Talat, Zalmi’s hopes faded as Faheem returned to claim his fifth scalp, trapping Sufiyan Muqeem at mid-on. The Gladiators’ bowlers, including Mohammad Wasim and Abrar Ahmed, maintained relentless pressure, ensuring no comeback for Zalmi.
“The pitch had extra bounce today, which isn’t typical for PSL games. I focused on hitting the right lengths and trusted my preparation,” said Faheem Ashraf, who was named Player of the Match.
Quetta Gladiators’ Batting Sets a Formidable Target
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Peshawar Zalmi faced an early onslaught from Quetta’s openers. Finn Allen’s explosive 31 off 16 balls, laced with four boundaries, and Saud Shakeel’s composed 32 off 26 set a solid foundation with a 46-run stand in just 4.3 overs. Rilee Rossouw (29) and Kusal Mendis (27) kept the momentum, while Mark Chapman’s late flourish of 33 off 21 propelled Quetta to 178-7.
Zalmi’s spinners, Sufiyan Muqeem (2-28) and Saim Ayub (1-20), briefly stemmed the flow, but Quetta’s depth shone through. Notably, Quetta became the first PSL team to have their top five batters each score over 25 runs in an innings, showcasing their batting prowess.
Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators: Key Moments
- Powerplay Blitz: Quetta’s openers smashed 67 runs in the first six overs, setting a daunting tone.
- Faheem’s Fire: Ashraf’s five wicket haul, including the prized scalps of Babar and Ayub, turned the game in Quetta’s favor.
- Amir’s Support: Mohammad Amir’s disciplined 2-19 ensured Zalmi’s middle order couldn’t recover.
- Talat’s Lone Fight: Hussain Talat’s 39 was a solitary effort as Zalmi collapsed under pressure.
Match Stats at a Glance
| Team | Score | Top Batter | Top Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quetta Gladiators | 178-7 (20 overs) | Mark Chapman (33) | Faheem Ashraf (5-33) |
| Peshawar Zalmi | 114 (17.3 overs) | Hussain Talat (39) | Sufiyan Muqeem (2-28) |
Why This Match Matters
For Quetta Gladiators, this victory wasn’t just about the 64-run margin—it was a statement of intent. Faheem Ashraf’s five-wicket haul underlined his all-round value, while the batting unit’s collective effort set a benchmark. For Peshawar Zalmi, the loss exposed their reliance on key players like Babar Azam, with Mohammad Amir’s experience unable to turn the tide.
As the PSL 2025 season heats up, this clash at Dubai will be remembered for Faheem’s fiery spell and Quetta’s all-round dominance. Stay tuned to Khelo Pakistan for more heart-pounding PSL action!
Follow Khelo Pakistan for live updates, exclusive insights, and all things cricket. Let’s celebrate the spirit of PSL together!
