In a thrilling encounter at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Quetta Gladiators’ star spinner Akeel Hussain etched his name in Pakistan Super League (PSL) history by claiming the first hat-trick of the season during the match against Peshawar Zalmi.
The 30-year-old spinner, pivotal to Quetta’s campaign this year, showcased his prowess once again as he halted Peshawar’s charge for a formidable total. Hussain’s feat marks him as only the sixth player to achieve a hat-trick in the illustrious history of the PSL.
In the high-stakes encounter, Peshawar Zalmi set a challenging target of 197 runs for Quetta Gladiators after completing their innings. Opting to bat first, Peshawar’s innings began with a bang, led by the aggressive Saim Ayub, who set the tone with early boundaries against Quetta’s seasoned pacer, Sohail Khan.
Despite the early breakthrough provided by Saim, Quetta’s bowlers struck back, claiming crucial wickets in quick succession. Peshawar’s skipper, Babar Azam, showcased resilience with a spirited half-century, supported by Tom Kohler-Cadmore.
However, Akeel Hussain’s impressive spell dismantled Peshawar’s middle order, culminating in a remarkable hat-trick. Despite Hussain’s heroics, Rovman Powell’s late onslaught propelled Peshawar Zalmi to a competitive total.
With four wickets to his name, Hussain’s exceptional performance was complemented by contributions from Abrar Ahmed, Sohail Khan, and Mohammad Hasnain, underscoring the thrilling contest between the two sides.
As the PSL season 9 unfolds, Akeel Hussain’s hat-trick stands as a memorable highlight, adding to the excitement and drama of Pakistan’s premier T20 cricket league.
