The stage was set when cricket finally returned to Pakistan after a hiatus of 8 years. It was a day Lahore fans won’t forget soon. But for the Quetta Gladiator’s, the finale blues continues, there was no change in history, they finished second best last year and it was a repeat this year. It was a low scoring affair, not a big scoring final.
Peshwa Zalmi batted first and posted a below-par 149 for Gladiator’s to win. Kamran Akmal top scored for the Zalmi’s, but they were not yet safe. But the Gladiator’s chase was even more bad, they were bundled out for a mere 90. Poor batting display from the Gladiator’s but a great all round display by Darren Sammy saw Zalmi through on the big night in front of their home fans.
Even before the match started, the fans has started flocking into the stadium in numbers. There was an unbelievable buzz around the stadium. Even when the match got over and the show was below par by the players but that did not see the shoulders of the fans drooping.
Younis Khan on his team’s great victory! #HBLPSL #FinalinLahore pic.twitter.com/lEdabhhhV6
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 5, 2017
Jubilation in the @PeshawarZalmi camp, the proud owners of the #HBLPSL 2017 trophy! A team that played like a champion indeed. pic.twitter.com/HZX6ivOscQ
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 5, 2017
Emrit, who arrived in Lahore on the morning of the final showdown, sent down a superb three overs for 3 for 13, despite jet lag, that one feels changed the equation around.
.@dmalan29 talks about his experience in Pakistan for the #FinalinLahore! #HBLPSL pic.twitter.com/wl2aOC8zhk
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 5, 2017
Congratulations for a thoroughly deserving victory @PeshawarZalmi you played like champions #HBLPSL #AbKhelJamayGa #QGvPZ
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 5, 2017
Great stuff by him but the man of the match was was awarded to Darren Sammy, for his all round contribution.
