Quetta Gladiators delivered a comprehensive 61-run victory over Rawalpindiz in the 18th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 at the National Bank Stadium on Friday. A solid batting performance, anchored by Rilee Rossouw, and a disciplined collective bowling effort proved too much for the debutants.
Rawalpindiz Batting Collapses in Chase
Set a challenging target of 184, Rawalpindiz’s innings never gained momentum, crumbling to 121 all out in just 17.3 overs. Only Saad Masood (31 off 19 balls) and Daryl Mitchell (30 off 32) offered significant resistance. The Gladiators’ bowling attack shared the spoils effectively, with Usman Tariq, Jahandad Khan, and captain Saud Shakeel each claiming two wickets.
Rossouw and Shakeel Set the Platform
After being put in to bat, Quetta Gladiators posted 182 for 6. Despite an early wicket, a crucial 87-run partnership between Rilee Rossouw (53 off 42) and captain Saud Shakeel (42 off 39) stabilized the innings. Rossouw’s knock, earning him the Player of the Match award, was laced with six fours and a six.
Explosive Finish Powers Total
Late fireworks from Hasan Nawaz (39 off 16 balls) and Jahandad Khan (21* off 6) propelled Quetta to a formidable total. For Rawalpindiz, Ben Sears was the most successful bowler with three wickets, while Mohammad Amir took two.
Playing XIs
Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel (c), Sam Harper, Hasan Nawaz, Khawaja Nafay, Bevon Jacobs, Rilee Rossouw, Jahandad Khan, Kashif Bhatti, Khalil Ahmed, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq.
Rawalpindiz: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Usman Khawaja, Yasir Khan, Abdullah Fazal, Mubasir Khan, Sam Billings, Daryl Mitchell, Saad Masood, Asif Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Ben Sears.
