Quetta Gladiators clashed with Peshawar Zalmi in the 25th match of the 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL) on Friday in Rawalpindi. Akeal Hosein, the Gladiators’ spinner, stole the spotlight in the first innings by securing a remarkable hat-trick in the 16th over.
It marked a historic moment as it was the first-ever hat-trick for Quetta Gladiators and only the sixth in PSL history. Hosein’s victims included Aamer Jamal, Mehran Mumtaz, and Luke Wood, each dismissed in a unique fashion.
The Gladiators’ team erupted in celebration, sprinting across the field in jubilation. Meanwhile, a young Peshawar Zalmi fan in the crowd was visibly emotional amidst the Gladiators’ revelry.
Earlier, Quetta Gladiators won the toss and opted to field first. Despite a strong start from the Zalmi openers Saim Ayub and Babar Azam, Hosein’s stellar performance restricted them to 196/8 in 20 overs.
In response, Quetta Gladiators began with promise, courtesy of Jason Roy and Saud Shakeel’s 46-run opening partnership. However, despite their efforts, they fell short, managing only 76/4 in 10 overs, unable to keep up with the required run rate.