Quetta Gladiators thrash Pindiz by 61 runs in PSL 11 clash

KARACHI: A composed half-century by Rilee Rossouw and a disciplined bowling display powered Quetta Gladiators to a commanding 61-run victory over RawalPindiz in the 18th match of Pakistan Super League Season 11 at National Bank Stadium on Friday.

Chasing a challenging 184-run target, Pindiz were bowled out for just 121 in 17.3 overs after a disappointing batting performance.

Emerging all-rounder Saad Masood fought a lone battle, scoring a brisk 31 off 19 balls, while Daryl Mitchell contributed a cautious 30 off 32 deliveries.

Yasir Khan (22) and Abdullah Fazal (20) were the only other batters to reach double figures.For the Gladiators, Usman Tariq, Jahandad Khan and skipper Saud Shakeel claimed two wickets each, while Kashif Bhatti and Abrar Ahmed picked up one apiece.

Earlier, Quetta Gladiators posted a competitive 182-6 in their allotted 20 overs, after being put into bat.

The innings began on a shaky note as opener Sam Harper was dismissed for eight in the fourth over with the score at 22.

Rossouw then anchored the innings with a steady 53 off 42 balls, laced with six fours and a six, sharing an 87-run partnership with Saud Shakeel, who scored 42 off 39 deliveries.

Mubasir Khan broke the stand by removing Rossouw, while Ben Sears dismissed Saud in the following over.

Veteran pacer Mohammad Amir struck twice to dent Quetta’s momentum, reducing them to 156-6 in 16.2 overs.

However, a late onslaught by Hasan Nawaz, who smashed 39 off 16 balls, and an unbeaten cameo by Jahandad Khan (21 off 6) propelled the Gladiators to a formidable total.

Ben Sears was the standout bowler for Pindiz, taking 3-41, while Mohammad Amir claimed two wickets and Mubasir Khan picked up one.