April 19, 2026
Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators live: Kusal Mendis Blitz Powers Peshawar Zalmi to 123/1 After 10 Overs
KARACHI: Despite an early setback, Peshawar Zalmi surged to a commanding 123 for 1 at the end of the first 10 overs after being sent in to bat by Quetta Gladiators at the National Stadium.
After being sent into bat, Zalmi's innings began with high intent but was quickly checked in the second over. Openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Haris looked to exploit the powerplay, but Quetta’s Alzarri Joseph struck a crucial blow. Haris, after a brisk start of 16 runs including two towering sixes, fell with the team score at 30 for 1 in the 1.4 overs.
The early wicket did nothing to slow Zalmi’s momentum, as Kusal Mendis joined his captain to launch a relentless counter-attack. Mendis was particularly severe on any width offered, racing to a rapid half-century off just 24 deliveries. His aggression forced Quetta’s captain, Saud Shakeel, into frequent bowling changes, but the flat Karachi surface offered little help to the seamers.
By the end of the powerplay, Zalmi had already galloped 80 runs, and they continued the onslaught to reach 123 by the halfway mark. Babar Azam played the anchor role with surgical precision, remaining unbeaten on 35 off 21 balls, while Mendis stood dominant at 65 off 33 balls.
Quetta’s bowling figures suffered under the pressure; Jahandad Khan conceded 32 runs in his two overs, while Alzarri Joseph, despite taking the only wicket, was expensive at 14 runs per over. With nine wickets in hand and the run rate hovering above 12, Peshawar Zalmi has set a massive foundation for the final 10 overs.