Quetta Gladiators scored a thrilling eight-run win over Lahore Qalandars as they further strengthened their reputation of winning games from improbable situations.
Sarfraz Ahmed’s team scored a one run win over Peshawar Zalmi in the play-off leg in the inaugural season of the tournament last year and succeeded in defending a low score again, their opening match of the 2017 edition.
The Qalandars chasing a paltry 137 crashed to 128 all out in 18.4 overs as young Gladiators bowler Hasan Khan held his nerve taking two crucial wickets including dismissing last man Yasir Shah.
Jason Roy top-scored with 27 while Mohammad Rizwan contributed 26 runs, Hasan was well supported by Zulfiqar Babar and Mohammad Rizwan who took two wickets each.
Hasan was also awarded the player of the match award.
Earlier a fighting innings of 60 off 47 balls by Rilee Rossouw brought the Gladiators back in contention as they posted an eventual score of 136 for eight in the allotted 20 overs.
After being put into bat by Qalandars captain Brendon McCullum the Gladiators had stumbled to 83 for six in 14.3 overs. Fast bowler Mohammad Irfan, Sunil Narine and Sohail Tanvir shared seven wickets between them to apply the brakes in the innings.
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