Karachi, April 15, 2026: A clinical all-round performance, highlighted by skipper Babar Azam’s unbeaten half-century, guided Peshawar Zalmi to a commanding eight-wicket victory over arch-rivals Quetta Gladiators in the 23rd match of the Pakistan Super League Season 11 at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday.
The emphatic win marked Zalmi’s sixth triumph in seven matches and their fifth consecutive victory following a washout against Islamabad United in Lahore.
Chasing a modest target of 155, Zalmi comfortably reached the total with nine balls to spare, losing just two wickets. The leaders made a flying start as openers Mohammad Haris and Babar Azam stitched together a brisk 75-run partnership inside nine overs.
Haris scored a lively 35 off 28 deliveries, smashing five fours and a six before being dismissed by Gladiators captain Saud Shakeel.
Following his departure, Babar joined forces with Kusal Mendis to maintain the momentum. The duo added 49 runs for the second wicket before Mendis was dismissed by Alzarri Joseph for 21 in the 16th over.
Babar remained resolute at the crease and guided his side to victory alongside Aaron Hardie, who contributed an unbeaten 18. The pair shared a match-winning 32-run stand for the third wicket. Babar finished unbeaten on 71 off 51 balls, decorated with 10 elegant boundaries.
For Quetta, Joseph and Saud Shakeel claimed one wicket each.
Earlier, Zalmi’s decision to field first paid off as Quetta Gladiators were bowled out for 154 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings got off to a shaky start when Ahsan Ali was dismissed for four by Iftikhar Ahmed in the opening over.
Saud Shakeel and Rilee Rossouw attempted to rebuild with a 35-run stand before Shakeel was run out for 16. Rossouw scored a brisk 28 off 16 balls, including four boundaries, before falling to Sufiyan Muqeem.
Muqeem struck again to dismiss Shamyl Hussain, putting the Gladiators under pressure. Hassan Nawaz and Khawaja Nafay tried to stabilise the innings with a 26-run partnership, but their dismissals reduced Quetta to 120/6.
Nawaz emerged as the top scorer with 37 off 35 deliveries, while Nafay added 20. A late cameo of 15 off 10 balls by Tom Curran provided brief resistance.
Zalmi’s bowlers wrapped up the innings efficiently, with Muqeem and Abdul Basit claiming three wickets each. Muqeem stood out for his economy, conceding just 25 runs in four overs, while Iftikhar Ahmed chipped in with one scalp.
