Jason Roy and Saud Shakeel opening 157 Partnership in 92 balls | © PSL
In match number 2 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the Quetta Gladiators delivered a powerful performance against Peshawar Zalmi, securing a remarkable 16-run victory. The opening batters, Jason Roy and Saud Shakeel, played a crucial role in this triumph, forming a formidable 157-run partnership. Roy showcased his skill with a quick 75 off 48 balls, while Shakeel contributed a solid 74 off 47 deliveries in his long-awaited PSL debut. Their partnership propelled Quetta to a commanding total of 206 for 5.
Peshawar Zalmi, in response, had a promising start, with Babar Azam (68) and Saim Ayub (42) providing a brisk opening stand of 90 off 51 balls. However, their chase faced challenges in the latter part of the innings, as they were eventually restricted to 190-6. Despite a valiant effort, the team struggled to maintain momentum against Quetta’s bowlers.
This season, he has marked significant changes for Quetta Gladiators. Rilee Rossouw took over as the new captain, replacing long-time skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed, as the team aimed to break a streak of four seasons without playoff qualification. The coaching staff also changed, with Shane Watson as the head coach and Shaun Tait as the bowling coach. Mohammad Amir joined the squad in the draft, marking his first stint with Quetta after eight seasons with Karachi Kings.
Mohammad Amir immediately impacted with brilliant bowling, conceding only 29 runs and taking a crucial wicket in his spell. The opening batters, Roy and Shakeel, capitalized on Peshawar’s wayward pace bowling, particularly exploiting Aamer Jamal’s struggles. Jamal was eventually taken off after going for 29 runs in two overs. Peshawar missed a specialist spinner during the middle overs, allowing Quetta’s openers to score freely.
Peshawar’s captain, Babar Azam, experimented with the offspring of Ayub, but it didn’t prove effective as Shakeel smashed him for three consecutive sixes in one over. The opening stand between Shakeel and Roy, lasting 92 balls, set a solid foundation for Quetta. However, Peshawar fought back with Salman Irshad’s impressive bowling (3-38), breaking the opening stand and causing Quetta to lose four wickets for 34 runs.
The unnecessary run-out of Ayub in the ninth over provided Peshawar with a lifeline, but legspinner Abrar Ahmed (2-29) played a pivotal role in sealing the game for Quetta. Abrar picked up key wickets, dismissing Babar and Tom Kohler-Cadmore in one over. These crucial breakthroughs ensured Quetta Gladiators’ victory in their opening match of the PSL, setting a positive pitch for the rest of the tournament.
