LAHORE: A century third-wicket partnership between Rilee Rossouw and Hasan Nawaz helped Quetta Gladiators carve out a crucial six-wicket victory over defending champions Lahore Qalandars in the 26th match of the Pakistan Super League on Friday.

After Usman Tariq, Jahandad Khan and Alzarri Joseph combined to dismiss Qalandars for 134 in 19.5 overs — the third successive time the reigning champions have failed to bat out their full quota of overs — Rossouw and Hasan put on 104 runs off 69 balls to lift Gladiators from 11 for two to the 135-run target with 22 balls to spare.

The partnership ended when Hasan was unluckily stumped after his shoe spike got stuck in the surface, preventing him from regaining his crease off Sikandar Raza. Hasan scored 49 off 32 balls with six fours and two sixes.

Rossouw, however, displayed his experience by returning unbeaten on a strokeful 60 off 49 balls with five fours and two sixes. After Shamyl Hussain was dismissed in the first over and captain Saud Shakeel run out, it was Rossouw’s priceless innings that allowed Hasan to play freely and demonstrate his talent.

The result lifted Quetta Gladiators level with Hyderabad Kingsmen and Karachi Kings on six points, but placed ahead of both on net run-rate. Lahore Qalandars, in contrast, were left reeling in seventh position on four points from six matches. They face winless Rawalpindiz on Saturday and will aim to end a three-match losing streak.

Peshawar Zalmi lead the table with 13 points from seven matches, followed by Islamabad United on nine points from seven and Multan Sultans on eight points from six. Zalmi have already sealed a play-off place and will be joined by the three next highest-ranked sides.

Earlier, Shaheen Shah Afridi’s decision to bat first was hampered when his side stuttered to 60 for four at the halfway stage, before crawling to 99 for seven after 18 overs. A seven-ball 22 with one four and three sixes by Usama Mir then lifted them to 134.

Haseebullah Khan was the top-scorer with a 37-ball 33 with four fours before becoming the eighth batter dismissed. Abdullah Shafique (17), Sikandar Raza (15) and Daniel Sams (12 not out) were the other batters to reach double figures.

Usman Tariq finally came to the party with a brilliant 4-0-18-3, picking up the scalps of Abdullah Shafique, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sikandar Raza. Jahandad Khan was equally impressive, finishing with 3.5-0-35-3, while Joseph conceded 24 runs in his final eight-ball over to finish with two for 41.

Match 26 – Quetta Gladiators beat Lahore Qalandars by six wickets

LAHORE QALANDARS 134 all-out, 19.5 overs (Haseebullah Khan 33, Usama Mir 22, Fakhar Zaman 20, Abdullah Shafique 17, Sikandar Raza 15, Daniel Sams 12 not out; Usman Tariq 3-18, Jahandad Khan 3-35, Alzarri Joseph 2-41)

QUETTA GLADIATORS 138-4, 16.2 overs (Rilee Rossouw 60 not out, Hasan Nawaz 49, Bevon Jacobs 14 not out)

SATURDAY’S FIXTURE: Lahore Qalandars vs Rawalpindiz

SUNDAY’S FIXTURES: Karachi Kings vs Multan Sultans; Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators