Quetta Gladiators’ captain Rilee Rossouw heaped praise on Saud Shakeel after the latter played a key role in his side win over Peshawar Zalmi on Sunday during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine.
Jason Roy and Shakeel wreaked havoc as they thrashed Zalmi’s bowlers all over the ground and built a 157-run opening partnership.
Shakeel departed after scoring a brilliant 74 off 47, laced with ten boundaries, which included four sixes as well.
“Saud played like he has been playing for years in the PSL and he did so well today. The fearless cricket and the shots that he played, it was outstanding to see. Especially, if we can have that with Jason Roy who is naturally aggressive. They both played phenomenally well today and credit has to go to them because they gave us a platform so that we can carry on and score the runs,” Rossouw said after the match.
The South African also opened up leading a side for the first time in his career.
“Coming out on top in my first match as captain is going to give me and the team a lot of confidence. It was job well done all-around,” he said.
Quetta Gladiators started their PSL 9 campaign on a winning note, beating Peshawar Zalmi by 16 runs after a high-scoring match at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The Zalmi side led by Babar Azam failed to chase the 207-run target as Quetta’s bowlers put in a remarkable effort in the death overs to ensure their hard-fought win.
Scores in brief:
Quetta Gladiators beat Peshawar Zalmi by 16 runs
Quetta Gladiators 206-5, 20 overs (Jason Roy 75, Saud Shakeel 74; Salman Irshad 3-38)
Peshawar Zalmi 190-6, 20 overs (Babar Azam 68, Saim Ayub 42; Abrar Ahmed 2-29, Mohammad Amir 1-29)
Player of the match – Saud Shakeel (Quetta Gladiators)
