Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators Live Score

Introduction

Few rivalries in Pakistan cricket stir the blood quite like Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators. From heart-stopping last-ball finishes to record-breaking centuries, this fixture has consistently delivered some of the most electrifying cricket ever played on Pakistani soil. In the 2026 season of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL 11), their meetings have only grown more intense — and more consequential.

In Match 23 played on April 15, 2026, Peshawar Zalmi crushed Quetta Gladiators by 8 wickets in Karachi, with Babar Azam hitting an unbeaten 71 off 51 balls and Sufiyan Muqeem rattling the Gladiators’ batting lineup with a brilliant 3/25. With Match 29 — their second encounter of the season — scheduled for April 19, 2026, again at the National Stadium, Karachi, the cricket world is watching closely.

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators PSL 2026 rivalry — franchise histories, squad breakdowns, key player matchups, head-to-head records, the significance of Match 29, and a deep dive into what makes this fixture the crown jewel of Pakistani T20 cricket.

1. The Franchise Story: Who Are Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators?

Peshawar Zalmi — The Yellow Storm

Peshawar Zalmi was established in December 2015 when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled five city-based franchises for the inaugural PSL season. The Peshawar franchise was acquired by Javed Afridi — CEO of Haier Pakistan and owner of MG Motors Pakistan — for US$16 million under a ten-year contract. In November 2025, Afridi renewed the franchise agreement for another decade (2026–2035), paying an annual franchise fee of Rs. 490 million.

The word “Zalmi” comes from Pashto, meaning “youth” — a name that perfectly captures the franchise’s commitment to nurturing young Pakistani talent alongside world-class international players. The team’s logo features a traditional Peshawari turban with cricket stumps, colored in yellow and black — colors that have become instantly recognizable across Pakistan.

In 2019, Nielsen valued the Peshawar Zalmi franchise at US$40.5 million, making it Pakistan’s biggest sports entity at the time. By 2025, the franchise’s worth had been reassessed at approximately PKR 870 million.

Key Facts — Peshawar Zalmi:

• Owner/Chairman: Javed Afridi
• Home Ground: Imran Khan Stadium, Peshawar (National Stadium, Karachi during PSL 11)
• Team Colors: Yellow and Black
• PSL Titles: 1 (2017)
• Finals Appearances: 4 (2016, 2017, 2018, 2021)
• Notable Brand Ambassadors: Mahira Khan, Humaima Malick, Sana Javed, Esra Bilgiç, Gul Panra
• Official Airline Sponsor: Turkish Airlines (from PSL 6 onwards)
• Sponsors: Haier, TCL, Sprite

PSL Title Win: In the iconic 2017 PSL final, Peshawar Zalmi defeated Quetta Gladiators by 58 runs — the first and still most celebrated chapter in this storied rivalry.

Quetta Gladiators — The Purple Force

Quetta Gladiators represents the provincial capital of Balochistan and was also founded in December 2015. The franchise was purchased by Nadeem Omar — a Pakistani businessman and president of the Karachi City Cricket Association — through his company Omar Associates, for US$11 million under a ten-year deal. In November 2025, Omar renewed the contract for another decade with an annual franchise fee of Rs. 340 million.

The team’s logo depicts an ancient Roman “Galea” helmet flanked by two cricket bats — a nod to the gladiatorial fighting spirit the team strives to embody. Their primary kit colors are purple and golden, earning them the nickname “Purple Force.”

Before the 2017 season, Quetta became the first PSL team to introduce an official mascot — “Gladdy” — a small but significant milestone in PSL’s commercial evolution.

Key Facts — Quetta Gladiators:

• Owner: Nadeem Omar (Omar Associates Group)
• Captain: Saud Shakeel
• Head Coach: Sarfaraz Ahmed (former Pakistan Test captain)
• Team Mentor: Sir Vivian Richards (West Indies legend)
• Team Manager: Moin Khan
• Assistant Coach: Abdul Razzaq
• Home Ground: Bugti Stadium, Quetta; National Stadium, Karachi (PSL 11)
• PSL Titles: 1 (2019)
• Finals Appearances: 3+ (2016, 2017, 2019, 2025 runners-up)
• Brand Ambassadors: Maya Ali, Hira Mani, Bilal Ashraf, Adnan Siddiqui

Historic Performance: In the 2025 PSL 10 season, Quetta Gladiators were runners-up, losing to Lahore Qalandars in the final. This near-miss fueled their determination going into PSL 11.

2. Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators: Head-to-Head Record

The head-to-head record between these two teams is among the tightest in PSL history — a testament to how evenly matched they truly are.

Peshawar holds a razor-thin lead — just one win separating the two sides across a decade of competition. But momentum in 2026 belongs firmly to Babar Azam’s Zalmi, who have now won their last five consecutive matches against the Gladiators going into Match 29.

Memorable Head-to-Head Moments:

• 2017 PSL Final: Peshawar Zalmi defeated Quetta Gladiators by 58 runs in an iconic Lahore final to claim their only PSL title.
• 2019 PSL Final: Quetta Gladiators turned the tables, beating Peshawar Zalmi by 8 wickets to claim their only PSL championship.
• PSL 2025 (Match at Rawalpindi): Quetta hammered Peshawar by 80 runs after a Jason Roy masterclass — their biggest win in recent memory. Roy smashed an unbeaten 145 off just 63 balls, completing the highest successful run-chase in PSL history (243/2, chasing 241).
• PSL 2026, Match 23 (April 15): Peshawar Zalmi beat Quetta Gladiators by 8 wickets in Karachi. Sufiyan Muqeem took 3/25 and Babar Azam anchored the chase with a stunning 71* off 51.

3. PSL 2026 Match 23 Full Report — PZ vs QUE (April 15, 2026)

This was a match that exemplified everything Peshawar Zalmi stand for in 2026 — ruthless discipline with ball and decisive authority with bat.

Quetta Gladiators Batting: 154 All Out (20 overs)

Quetta got off to a lively start, reaching 44/2 after five overs as Rilee Rossouw launched three boundaries off Mohammad Basit in the second over. But the innings began to unravel in the 8th over when Sufiyan Muqeem — PSL 11’s breakout bowling sensation — dismissed Rossouw for 26, slowing Quetta’s momentum significantly.

Hasan Nawaz held the innings together with 32 off 29 balls and Khawaja Nafay provided support, pushing Quetta to 99/4 after 13 overs. However, the Zalmi bowling unit tightened the screws brilliantly in the death overs. Mohammad Basit also claimed three wickets, and Quetta were eventually bundled out for 154 in the final over — a below-par score on a Karachi pitch averaging 173 in the first innings during PSL 11.

Quetta Gladiators Playing XI: Shamyl Hussain, Saud Shakeel (c), Rilee Rossouw, Hasan Nawaz, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Tom Curran, Jahandad Khan, Ahsan Ali, Alzarri Joseph, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq

Peshawar Zalmi Chase: 156/2 (18.3 overs) — Won by 8 Wickets

Babar Azam and Mohammad Haris set the tone immediately, putting on a 75-run opening stand in just 8.4 overs. When Haris departed, Kusal Mendis walked in and maintained the momentum. Babar, calm and authoritative throughout, brought up his half-century and guided Zalmi home with an unbeaten 71 off 51 balls.

The target of 155 was chased down with 9 balls to spare — a dominant, clinical performance. With this victory, Peshawar Zalmi became the first team to qualify for the PSL 2026 playoffs, sitting comfortably at the top of the points table with 13 points from 7 matches (6 wins, 1 no-result).

Peshawar Zalmi Playing XI: Mohammad Haris, Babar Azam (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Farhan Yousuf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Michael Bracewell, Abdul Samad, Sufiyan Muqeem, Aaron Hardie, Mohammad Basit, Ali Raza

Player of the Match: Sufiyan Muqeem — 3/25 (4 overs). Remarkably, this was his fourth consecutive PSL 2026 match with three or more wickets, a run of form that placed him among the tournament’s elite bowlers.

4. PSL 2026 Match 29 Preview — PZ vs QUE (April 19, 2026)

Venue: National Stadium (National Bank Stadium), Karachi Time: 7:00 PM PKT (2:00 PM GMT) Broadcast: A Sports, PTV Sports, Geo Super, Ten Sports (Pakistan & region); Tapmad, Tamasha, Myco (OTT/Mobile)

The second installment of the Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators PSL 2026 double-header carries enormous stakes, particularly for Quetta. Having already qualified for the playoffs, Peshawar Zalmi will be eager to continue their dominant run and consolidate their table-topping position. For Quetta, this is a must-perform match — a loss could jeopardize their playoff ambitions entirely.

The National Stadium, Karachi — Pitch and Conditions

The National Stadium in Karachi has hosted 8 matches in PSL 11, and the surface has been notably fair to both batters and bowlers. The average first-innings score is approximately 173 runs, and results have been evenly split — teams batting first and teams chasing have won an equal number of games. This means the toss may not be decisive, and pure execution will matter most.

Evening dew can come into play under lights, which could slightly advantage the chasing team later in the game.

Key Player Matchups to Watch

1. Babar Azam vs Abrar Ahmed This is the marquee battle. Babar’s legendary technique and footwork against Abrar’s mystery spin — the “X-factor” bowler who has been Quetta’s primary powerplay disruptor. Babar has historically handled mystery spin well, but Abrar’s unusual release points make him difficult to pick even for elite batters.

2. Mohammad Haris vs Alzarri Joseph Raw explosive hitting meets raw express pace. Haris’s ability to scoop, ramp, and attack from ball one will be tested against Joseph’s 140+ km/h steep bounce from Antigua’s most feared quick.

3. Iftikhar Ahmed vs Wasim Akram Jr. “Ifti Mania” in the death overs — Iftikhar’s big-hitting ability versus Wasim’s pinpoint yorker accuracy under pressure. Whichever of these two wins the battle in the final four overs could determine the match result.

4. Sufiyan Muqeem vs Saud Shakeel If Muqeem can dismiss Quetta’s captain cheaply, the middle order becomes fragile. Shakeel has looked composed all season, but Muqeem’s variations in flight, pace, and trajectory have troubled top batters throughout PSL 2026.

5. Kusal Mendis (Form Player) The Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter has been outstanding in PSL 2026, accumulating 330 runs in the tournament — the highest aggregate by any Peshawar player. His strike rate and ability to accelerate through the middle overs make him one of the most dangerous batters in the competition.

5. Full Squad Analysis — PSL 2026

Peshawar Zalmi PSL 2026 Full Squad

Captain: Babar Azam

Quetta Gladiators PSL 2026 Full Squad

Captain: Saud Shakeel

6. PSL 2026 Season Overview — Peshawar Zalmi’s Dominant Run

Peshawar Zalmi’s 2026 campaign has been nothing short of extraordinary. Under Babar Azam’s calm and assured captaincy, they have been the most consistent force in PSL 11 — arguably performing better than in any previous season.

Peshawar Zalmi PSL 2026 Season Stats (as of Match 23):

• Matches Played: 7
• Wins: 6
• No Results: 1
• Points: 13
• Position: 1st on points table (first team to qualify for playoffs)

Their results in 2026 include wins over Multan Sultans, Lahore Qalandars (by 76 runs), Karachi Kings, Rawalpindi Zalmi (formerly Rawalpindi Kings), and two victories over Quetta Gladiators. The only blemish is a match abandoned without a ball bowled.

The blueprint for Peshawar’s success is clear and ruthless: Babar anchors the batting, Mohammad Haris and Kusal Mendis provide firepower at the top, and the bowling unit — led by Muqeem’s wizardry and Nahid Rana’s pace — does the rest.

Quetta Gladiators’ 2026 season has been more inconsistent. They showed glimpses of brilliance — wins over Hyderabad Kingsmen and strong starts in multiple games — but the bowling attack has struggled to consistently restrict opponents, and they have found it difficult to overcome the Peshawar juggernaut specifically.

7. Where to Watch — PSL vs QUE Live Score and Streaming

Fans across Pakistan and around the world can follow the PSZ vs QUE live score and live action through multiple platforms:

Television (Pakistan & South Asia):

• A Sports
• PTV Sports
• Geo Super
• Ten Sports
• PSLCircket

OTT / Mobile Streaming (Pakistan):

• Tapmad
• Tamasha
• Myco

International:

• Willow TV (USA/Canada via Cricbuzz)
• Sky Sports Cricket (UK)
• Fox Sports (Australia)

Live Score & Ball-by-Ball Updates:

• ESPNcricinfo
• Cricbuzz
• Wisden
• Sofascore

8. The Bigger Picture — PSL 2026 Points Table and Playoff Race

As of the time of writing, Peshawar Zalmi have already secured their playoff spot — the first team in PSL 11 to do so. Their dominant run has made them the favorites for the title.

For Quetta Gladiators, Match 29 is about far more than two points. Their playoff qualification depends on winning this fixture and maintaining form in remaining matches. A defeat would leave them in a precarious position, needing results to go their way elsewhere.

This playoff pressure adds an extra layer of tension to the Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators Match 29 encounter — even if Zalmi have less to play for individually, they will not want to break their dominant winning streak against this particular opponent.

PSL 2026 also features: Lahore Qalandars (three-time PSL champions, defending title holders), Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans, Islamabad United, Rawalpindi Challengers, and Hyderabad Kingsmen — as PSL 11 expanded to 8 teams for the first time.

9. Why This Rivalry Matters Beyond Cricket

The Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators rivalry is more than a cricket match — it is a cultural event. Peshawar represents Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, one of Pakistan’s most cricket-passionate regions, where the sport is a language unto itself. Quetta represents Balochistan — a province that received its first major national cricket franchise through the Gladiators and has used the platform to put Baloch cricket on the map.

When these two franchises meet, the viewing figures spike across Pakistan. Millions tune in not just for the cricket, but for the storylines, the identities, and the pride of two distinct Pakistani communities going head-to-head.

The commercialization around both franchises reflects this passionate fan base:

Peshawar Zalmi Brand Partners: Haier, TCL, Turkish Airlines, Sprite, MG Motors — reflecting the franchise’s premium positioning in Pakistani commercial cricket.

Quetta Gladiators Partnerships: DHA Quetta, Omar Associates-linked sponsors, along with Balochistan Football Association — demonstrating a broader sporting ecosystem managed by ownership.

Both franchises also serve as launching pads for Pakistani players onto the international stage. Sufiyan Muqeem, currently electrifying PSL 2026, is a prime example of Peshawar Zalmi’s philosophy of backing young local talent at the highest level.

10. Expert Take — What the Numbers Say

The statistics in PSL 2026 tell a compelling story:

• Sufiyan Muqeem has taken 3+ wickets in four consecutive PSL 2026 matches — a feat that puts him among the most impactful spinners in any T20 league globally right now.
• Babar Azam averages 44.5 against Quetta Gladiators across all PSL meetings — comfortably above his overall PSL average.
• Kusal Mendis leads Peshawar Zalmi’s run charts in PSL 2026 with 330 runs, striking at an exceptional rate throughout the tournament.
• Rilee Rossouw averages only 31.22 against Peshawar Zalmi — significantly below his typical T20 standards — highlighting how well Zalmi bowlers have planned against him.
• The National Stadium Karachi has hosted even split results in PSL 11, with an average first-innings score of 173 runs.

These numbers suggest that if Quetta are to break their recent losing streak against Zalmi, they need Rossouw to fire, Abrar Ahmed to take early wickets, and Alzarri Joseph to contain in the death overs.

Conclusion

The Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators rivalry is the heartbeat of PSL cricket. Two founding franchises. Two contrasting identities. One decade of battles. In PSL 2026, Peshawar Zalmi have stamped their authority with a dominant season led by Babar Azam’s masterful captaincy and Sufiyan Muqeem’s magical bowling. Match 23 was a clinical statement of intent — an 8-wicket win that sealed Peshawar’s playoff spot.

But Quetta Gladiators, under the experienced eye of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and the mentorship of Sir Vivian Richards, are not a team that stays down for long. The Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators Match 29 on April 19, 2026 promises to be another blockbuster chapter in this thrilling rivalry.

Whether you’re watching from Karachi, Peshawar, or anywhere in the world — don’t miss a ball. Follow the PSZ vs QUE live score on ESPNcricinfo or Cricbuzz, and tune in on Geo Super, PTV Sports, or Tapmad. The Yellow Storm is raging, the Purple Force is pushing back — and Pakistani cricket is all the better for it.

Follow every match, bookmark the live score page, and support Pakistan cricket at its finest. The PSL 2026 playoffs are coming — and Peshawar Zalmi intend to be there until the very last ball.

Author Bio

This article was written by Abdul Rehman a specialist cricket journalist covering Pakistan Super League since its inaugural 2016 season. With expertise in PSL franchise history, player performance analytics, and Pakistani domestic cricket, this coverage is designed to deliver accurate, up-to-date, and engaging insights for cricket fans worldwide. All statistics and team data are sourced from ESPNcricinfo, Wisden, and official PCB records as of April 2026.