Peshawar Zalmi’s 80-Run Loss Stings as Quetta Gladiators Dominate PSL 2025 Match 2
Rawalpindi, April 12, 2025 – The Quetta Gladiators unleashed a batting masterclass and a bowling blitz to hand the Peshawar Zalmi 80-run loss in their PSL 2025 opener at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Khelo Pakistan brings you the full breakdown of this one-sided thriller, where Abrar Ahmed’s spin wizardry and Quetta’s 216-3 proved too much for Zalmi’s chase.
Match Snapshot: Quetta’s Commanding Win
- Result: Quetta Gladiators beat Peshawar Zalmi by 80 runs.
- Quetta Gladiators: 216-3 (20 overs) – Saud Shakeel (59), Finn Allen (50).
- Peshawar Zalmi: 136 all out (15.1 overs) – Saim Ayub (50).
- Star Performer: Abrar Ahmed (4/42).
- Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, April 12, 2025.
How Quetta Crushed Zalmi: The Full Story
Quetta’s Batting Fireworks Set 216-3
Quetta Gladiators, sent in to bat by Peshawar captain Babar Azam, made the most of a flat Rawalpindi pitch. Openers Saud Shakeel and Finn Allen smashed 60 runs in the power play, setting a blistering pace. Allen’s explosive 50 off 28 balls, including three towering sixes off spinner Sufiyan Muqeem, lit up the stands before he fell in the seventh over.
Saud kept the momentum, anchoring with a stylish 59 off 42 (4 fours, 2 sixes), his highlight a cheeky lap shot off Alzarri Joseph. Rilee Rossouw (21) and Kusal Mendis (35) added quick runs, pushing Quetta past 200 in the 19th over. Peshawar’s bowlers—Ali Raza, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Joseph—took one wicket each but couldn’t stop Quetta’s 216-3.
BTS Insight: Saud’s calm leadership was key, with a team source saying he urged his batters to “keep the foot down” after Allen’s exit.
Peshawar Zalmi 80-Run Loss Sealed Early
Chasing 217, Peshawar Zalmi’s hopes nosedived when Mohammad Amir dismissed Babar Azam for a duck in the first over. Abrar Ahmed then turned the screws, striking twice in the fourth over to remove Mohammad Haris and Tom Kohler-Cadmore. His 4/42, including a googly to shatter Mohammad Ali’s stumps, wrecked Zalmi’s middle order.
A 63-run stand between Saim Ayub (50 off 38) and Hussain Talat (35) offered brief resistance, but Usman Tariq broke it by dismissing Talat. Ayub’s exit to Kyle Jamieson sparked a collapse, with Zalmi bundled out for 136 in 15.1 overs—a crushing 80-run loss.
Post-Match Quote: Abrar told Khelo Pakistan, “The captain said ‘go for wickets,’ and I stuck to my plan in the powerplay.”
Why Peshawar Zalmi Fell Short
- Early Blows: Babar’s duck and Haris’ cheap dismissal killed the momentum.
- Spin Struggles: Abrar’s mystery spin exposed Zalmi’s batting frailties.
- No Partnerships: Beyond Ayub-Talat, no batter stayed long.
Quetta’s Winning Edge
- Big Total: Saud and Allen’s aggression set a daunting 216.
- Bowling Depth: Amir’s early strike and Abrar’s four-for were lethal.
- Fielding Spark: Sharp catches kept Zalmi under pressure.
Team Lineups
| Team | Key Players |
|---|---|
| Quetta Gladiators | Saud Shakeel (c, 59), Finn Allen (50), Abrar Ahmed (4/42), Mohammad Amir, Kusal Mendis |
| Peshawar Zalmi | Babar Azam (c, 0), Saim Ayub (50), Hussain Talat (35), Mohammad Haris, Tom Kohler-Cadmore |
What’s Next After Peshawar Zalmi 80-Run Loss?
For Peshawar Zalmi, this 80-run loss is a wake-up call. Captain Babar Azam will look to:
- Boost Batting: Get himself and Mohammad Haris firing early.
- Counter Spin: Prep better for mystery spinners like Abrar.
- Bowl Smarter: Use Alzarri Joseph and Sufiyan Muqeem to restrict powerplays.
Quetta Gladiators, riding high, aim to keep their momentum:
- Batting Depth: Lean on Rossouw and Mendis for more runs.
- Bowling Sting: Trust Amir and Abrar to strike early again.
Team Buzz: “We’re analyzing what went wrong and coming back stronger,” a Zalmi insider told Khelo Pakistan.
PSL 2025: The Bigger Picture
HBL PSL X, running from April 11 to May 18, 2025, features six teams—Islamabad United, Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, and Quetta Gladiators—battling across Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, and Multan. With 34 matches in a double round-robin and playoff format, the league is a T20 spectacle, even alongside IPL 2025.
Fun Fact: Quetta’s 216 is their highest PSL score since 2023, hinting at a fierce campaign.
How to Follow PSL 2025
- Streaming: Daraz, Tapmad, Tamasha (Pakistan); FanCode (India).
- TV: Geo Super, PTV Sports (Pakistan); Sony Sports (India).
- Tickets: Bookme.pk or PCB’s official site.
Fan Tip: Check @PSLT20Official on X for live updates and highlights.
Fan Pulse: Who Can Lift Zalmi?
After Peshawar Zalmi’s 80-run loss, who’s their key to recovery?
- A) Babar Azam’s runs
- B) Saim Ayub’s spark
- C) Alzarri Joseph’s pace
- D) Team grit
Comment below or share on X with #PSL2025!
Final Take
Peshawar Zalmi 80-run loss hurts, but with Babar Azam leading, they’ll aim to rebound in PSL 2025. Quetta Gladiators, powered by Abrar Ahmed and Saud Shakeel, look like title contenders. Who impressed you most? Share your thoughts and keep the PSL X fever going!
Stay with Khelo Pakistan for more PSL updates!
