Miller, Akmal propel Peshawar Zalmi to 197-run total against Quetta Gladiators

Peshawar Zalmi’s batsmen David Miller and Kamran Akmal rescued their side after a precarious start to end their innings at a daunting 197-run total for the loss of five wickets against Quetta Gladiators during their Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) season six encounter in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

After winning the toss and opting to field first, Quetta Gladiators were off to a great start as left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz removed opener Haider Ali and veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik early.

Haider was removed for a golden duck caught by substitute fielder Usman Shinwari while Shoaib Malik (two off six) was caught by fielder Zahir Khan.

Despite the early setback, opener Kamran Akmal and batsman David Miller played with a positive intent.

The two batsmen combined for a sensational 125-run partnership off 73 balls to provide a solid foundation for their side.

Kamran Akmal was finally removed by pacer Mohammad Hasnain with a successful LBW appeal after scoring 59 runs off 37 balls.

David Miller played a devastating knock but finally fell to bowler Khurram Shahzad after scoring 73 runs off 46 balls.

Batsman Sherfane Rutherford departed towards the end of the innings courtesy of a run-out after scoring 10 runs off 12 balls.

Batsman Rovman Powell however did not let the solid platform laid by Akmal and Miller go to waste, scoring a punishing 43-run knock of just 19 balls to propel his side to 197 runs for the loss of five wickets in their allotted overs.

Mohammad Nawaz was the pick of the bowlers for Quetta Gladiators after taking two wickets.