KARACHI, April 15, 2026 — A clinical all-round performance, highlighted by a disciplined bowling effort and an unbeaten half-century from captain Babar Azam, powered Peshawar Zalmi to a convincing eight-wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators in the 23rd match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium on Wednesday.
The win marked Zalmi’s sixth victory in seven matches and their fifth in a row, strengthening their position at the top of the points table.
Chasing a modest 155-run target, Zalmi comfortably reached the total with nine balls to spare, losing just two wickets. The innings was anchored by Babar, who remained unbeaten on 71 off 51 deliveries, striking 10 boundaries in a composed match-winning knock.
Zalmi got off to a flying start as Babar and Mohammad Haris stitched together a 75-run opening stand inside nine overs. Haris contributed a brisk 35 off 28 balls, including five fours and a six, before being dismissed by Gladiators skipper Saud Shakeel.
Following his departure, Babar maintained control of the chase, adding 49 runs with Kusal Mendis, who scored 21. After Mendis fell in the 16th over, Babar combined with Aaron Hardie (18 not out) to guide Zalmi home with an unbroken 32-run partnership.
Earlier, Zalmi’s bowlers set up the victory by restricting Quetta Gladiators to 154 all out in their 20 overs. Spinner Sufiyan Muqeem starred with figures of 3 for 25, earning the Player of the Match award, while Abdul Basit also claimed three wickets.
Gladiators had a shaky start, losing early wickets, including opener Ahsan Ali for four. Saud Shakeel attempted to stabilize the innings with a quick 16, but a run-out halted momentum. South African batter Rilee Rossouw chipped in with a rapid 28, while Hassan Nawaz top-scored with 37.
Despite brief partnerships, Quetta struggled to build sustained momentum as Zalmi’s bowlers maintained tight control. The lower order collapsed under pressure, with only Tom Curran offering late resistance with a 15-run cameo.
The comprehensive win underscores Zalmi’s strong form this season, with both their batting and bowling units firing in unison as the tournament heads into its decisive phase.