Quetta Gladiators captain Sarfaraz Ahmed admitted that Usman Qadir’s 16th over was the turning point of the game against Peshawar Zalmi in the 22nd match of the Pakistan Super League 2022 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Tuesday after his team lost by 24 runs.
Usman Qadir conceded three runs in the 16th over of the run-chase and accounted for Umar Akmal and in-form Iftikhar Ahmed. Qadir scalped three wickets and conceded 25 runs in his quota of four overs to come up with a fine bowling performance. Thus, he played a key role in restricting Quetta Gladiators to 161-8 in the run-chase.
Meanwhile, Peshawar Zalmi posted a par score of 185 runs after Wahab Riaz won the toss and decided to bat first. Veteran batter Shoaib Malik and Hussain Talat scored fifties in the middle order for Peshawar Zalmi whereas Ben Cutting added the finishing touches.
Malik scored a fine knock of 58 runs off 41 balls whereas Talat smashed 51 runs off just 33 balls. Furthermore, Ben Cutting played a fine cameo of 36 runs off just 14 balls with the help of one-four and four sixes.
On the other hand, Will Smeed was the lone warrior for Quetta Gladiators as he scored 99 runs. However, apart from him, no other batter was able to get going in run-chase as the Gladiators fell short by 24 runs.
Meanwhile, Naseem Shah had provided a good start for Quetta Gladiators as he scalped two wickets in his first over. Shah returned with bowling figures of 4-27 in his quota of four overs, which is the best for any birthday boy in the history o PSL.
Sarfaraz Ahmed said in the post-match presentation, “The start was very good by Naseem Shah. Yes one over went for plenty but we had done well to contain them to 185. Qadir’s over was the turning point and that’s where the game got away from us. We are still finding our right combinations as players are getting injured and we are not able to get a steady XI every game”.
Quetta Gladiators will look to bounce back stronger in the upcoming matches. Sarfaraz Ahmed-led team will next face reigning champions Multan Sultans on Friday at the same venue.
