Quetta Gladiators (QUE) vs Peshawar Zalmi (PES), Pakistan Super League (PSL 10), Game 2, started under a blue sky and a scorching sun in Rawalpindi. The pitch looked dry, batting friendly. But PES skipper Babar Azam had different thoughts; he tried to give his bowlers a chance on a fresh wicket. Later, when the match progressed, the decision proved suitable for Gladiators.

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Toss and first innings 

Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam won the toss and elected to field first. In response, QUE openers Saud Shakeel (C) and Finn Allen stitched an 88-run partnership on first, where Allan contributed 53. Hassan Nawaz, who proved to be a perfect replacement for the opener, scored 41. When the team score was 151, Shakeel went for 59. Deep in the innings, Rilee Rossouw (21) and Kusal Mendis (35) hammered opponent bowlers to put a total of 216/3 on the scoreboard. 

Second innings 

The second was mainly marked for two performers— Peshawar Zalmi's opener Saim Ayub and Quetta Gladiators all-rounder Usman Tariq. Ayub was the lone man from the beginning who batted with brilliance for Peshawar, scoring 50 off 38 balls. Batting at number 4, Hussain Talat made a quick impact with a 19-ball, 35-run knock. Ayub and Talat's bravery went in vain when Tariq, in a fit of rage, halted Talat and took off with Max Bryant. Babar Azam, the captain of Peshawar Zalmi, is out for a duck. 

Post Match Presentation

Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi captain): "Our team failed to execute plans, particularly in the first six overs of both innings, where we lost crucial momentum. Although the pitch's behavior changed in the second innings, keeping low at times. Lack of partnerships and frequent wicket losses one of the main reasons for the result."

Saud Shakeel (Quetta Gladiators captain): "Our batting unit batted brilliantly and scored a substantial total, exceeding expectations by over 30 runs. The amount of experience in our squad made the job easier." 

Quetta Gladiators vs Peshawar Zalmi match scorecard 

Quetta Gladiators- 216/3 (20 Overs)

Peshawar Zalmi- 136/10 (15.1 Overs)