DUBAI — The first qualifier of the inaugural Pakistan Super League (PSL) was a nail-biting affair and came down to the last ball, with Quetta Gladiators holding its nerve to clinch a one-run win over Peshawar Zalmi.
Quetta thus earned its berth in Tuesday’s final in Dubai, while Peshawar will have a chance to make amends for its close defeat in the third and last qualifier, against either Karachi Kings or Islamabad United.
A dot off the first ball of the last over, bowled by Aizaz Cheema, tilted the contest further Quetta’s way. However, Wahab Riaz seemed to emerge an unlikely hero for Peshawar, slamming the second ball for four. He then took a single. Three needed off three.
Hasan Ali was then out caught and bowled next ball. Wahab ended up skying the ball straight to Ahmed Shehzad. Mohammad Asghar had to hit the last ball for three but failed.
Earlier, Sarfraz Ahmed’s side put up a target of 134 for Peshawar.
For Quetta, Kevin Pietersen scored a half-century from 38 balls, while Kumar Sangakkara scored 37 from 29 deliveries. All the other batsmen failed, except for Mohammad Nawaz who scored 20 for the Gladiators.
In response, Peshawar scored 132 in 20 overs, largely due to Sammy, who scored 38 from 29 deliveries.Grant Elliot and Mohammad Nawaz claimed three wickets apiece for Quetta, while Aizaz Cheema claimed two wickets in a nail-biting last over.
Man of the match award went to Mohammad Nawaz for his brilliant performance with the ball.
Scores:
Quetta 133 in 19.3 overs (K. Pietersen 53, Sangakkara 37, Mohammed Nawaz 20; W. Riaz 3-17, Tait 2-23).
Peshawar 132-9 (Sammy 38, W. Riaz 22; Elliott 3-19, M. Nawaz 3-27, A. Cheema 2-34). — Agencies
