DUBAI: Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson and Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed’s stellar performances led Quetta Gladiators’ victory against Peshawar Zalmi by six wickets in Dubai on Friday, a result which also ended all hopes for Lahore Qalandars to qualify for play-offs.
Watson hit a solid 37 and took two wickets to lay down the foundation for Quetta to chase a modest 158-run target in 19.2 overs, while Sarfraz played a skipper’s knock with unbeaten 45 to successfully achieve the target.
This is twice runners-up’s fifth win in eight games.
They top the table now with ten points. Islamabad United are second, Karachi Kings are third and Multan Sultans are fourth. Peshawar now need to win all their remaining two games to stand a chance for the last four play-offs.
The #HanifMohammadCap returns to @ShaneRWatson33#HBLPSL #DilSeJaanLagaDe pic.twitter.com/SPPTpXPDSr
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 10, 2018
Lahore will now play their three matches for pride as they cannot reach nine points in any case.
Once Watson was dismissed after a 25-ball knock of six boundaries and a six, Sarfraz and Rilee Rossouw (31 not out) ensured the target is reached. Sarfraz knocked six boundaries in his confident 31-ball innings. The unbeaten 74-run stand between both the players was crucial for their team.
Peshawar owed their total to Smith early on and then an unbroken sixth wicket stand of 56 between Rikki Wessels (31) and Darren Sammy (35) — both unbeaten — as they lofted from 101-5 to 156-5.
Smith had the early onslaught as he smashed five 6s and a boundary in his 33-ball 48 but once he and Mohammad Hafeez (31) were gone, Peshawar innings needed one slog over partnership which Sammy and Wessels provided.
Sammy smashed two sixes and four boundaries in his 19-ball knock while Wessels 29-ball knock had one six and three boundaries.
Watson again was the pick of the bowlers with 2-26 in his four overs while Mohammad Nawaz, Rahat Ali and Ben Laughlin had one wicket apiece.
Sunday will see Karachi Kings take on Lahore Qalandars.
The unbeaten 74 run stand between Sarfaraz and Rossouw help Gladiators knock Zalmi down by 6 wickets. #Purpleforce is now on top of the table.#HBLPSL #DilSeJaanLagaDe pic.twitter.com/WL08gozLBY
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 10, 2018
