Photo: PCB |
Throughout the season, Quetta had displayed their dominance, particularly against Peshawar whom they had beaten in all four encounters. In the final, Peshawar's hopes were dashed early as their key players, Kamran Akmal and Imam-ul-Haq, fell cheaply. The middle order struggled to accelerate, managing only 138 for 8 in their 20 overs. Quetta's bowlers, led by Mohammad Hasnain's impressive 3-30, maintained tight control and never allowed Peshawar to build momentum.
Chasing a modest target, Quetta encountered a minor hiccup when Shane Watson was run out due to a mix-up with Ahmed Shehzad. However, Shehzad anchored the innings superbly with an unbeaten 58 off 51 balls, well-supported by Rilee Rossouw's 39 not out. The experienced duo guided Quetta to victory without much trouble, ensuring they crossed the finish line comfortably.
Despite efforts from Peshawar's bowlers, including spirited spells from Wahab Riaz and Hasan Ali, Quetta's composed batting lineup ensured there was no real threat to their pursuit of the title. The win was a fitting culmination for Quetta Gladiators, marking a significant achievement for Sarfaraz Ahmed's astute leadership and the team's consistent performances throughout the tournament.
While the final may not have been filled with the usual drama and excitement, it will be remembered as a standout moment in Quetta's PSL history, a testament to their resilience and determination to claim the championship.
Brief Scores: Peshawar Zalmi 138/8 in 20 overs (Amin 38, Hasnain 3-30, Bravo 2-24) Quetta Gladiators 139/2 in 17.5 overs (Shehzad 58*, Rossouw 39*, Wahab 1-19)
Result: Quetta Gladiators won by 8 wickets
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