Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators Head-to-Head Stats (2026)

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has produced several iconic rivalries over the last decade, but few carry the emotional weight and tactical depth of Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators. Often referred to as the "Battle of the North vs South," this fixture has consistently delivered high-octane drama, last-ball finishes, and record-breaking individual performances.

As we move into the 2026 season, the history between these two giants remains incredibly balanced. Whether it was the early dominance of Darren Sammy and Sarfaraz Ahmed or the modern-day masterclass of Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel, Zalmi and Quetta have always pushed each other to the limit. This blog takes a deep dive into the history, the stats, and the unforgettable moments that define this rivalry.

Head-to-Head Record: Who Leads the Race in 2026?

Entering the 2026 season, the rivalry stands as one of the most competitive in T20 franchise history. Out of the 26 matches played across all seasons, the margin is razor-thin:

• Peshawar Zalmi Wins: 13
• Quetta Gladiators Wins: 12
• No Result: 1

For years, Zalmi held a comfortable lead, but Quetta’s resurgence in the 2024 and 2025 seasons has brought them within one win of leveling the score. Zalmi’s win percentage sits at approximately 50%, reflecting how evenly matched these two sides are, regardless of the venue or playing conditions.

Head-to-Head in Finals: PSL History 2016-2025

The ultimate measure of a rivalry is how teams perform in the biggest games. Zalmi and Quetta have faced off in three PSL Finals, a record for any two teams in the league.

2017 Final (Lahore):

The first major showdown. Zalmi, led by Darren Sammy, posted 148. In response, Quetta’s batting collapsed under the pressure of the historic return of cricket to Pakistan, getting bowled out for just 90. Zalmi took their first trophy.

2019 Final (Karachi):

Quetta got their revenge. After a disciplined bowling performance that restricted Zalmi to 138, Shane Watson and Ahmed Shehzad ensured Quetta lifted the trophy with an easy 8-wicket win.

The Playoff Legacy:

Beyond finals, these teams met in the 2016 and 2017 Qualifiers both matches decided by just 1 run. This solidified the "nail-biter" reputation of this fixture.

Highest & Lowest Totals: Record-Breaking Innings

Best Individual performances Ever: Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators

Top 3 Batters (Best Innings)

Top 3 Bowlers (Best Spells)

PSL 2023 Rawalpindi: The Greatest T20 Match Ever?

If one match defines this rivalry, it is the 2023 clash in Rawalpindi. Babar Azam smashed a majestic 115 off 65 balls, guiding Zalmi to a monstrous 240/2. At the mid-innings break, most fans thought the game was over, as a target of 241 is rarely chased in T20 cricket. However, Jason Roy had other plans. He played perhaps the greatest innings in PSL history, scoring a staggering 145* off just 63 balls. Quetta stunned the world by chasing down 241 in just 18.2 overs, leaving the cricketing world in shock. It wasn't just a game; it was a statement of intent that no total is safe when these two giants collide. This legendary encounter remains the gold standard for high-scoring thrills in the league's history.

Playoff Head-to-Head Record: Zalmi’s Big-Game Mentality

When the stakes are highest, Peshawar Zalmi usually finds a way to prevail. In high-pressure playoff matches, including Qualifiers, Eliminators, and Finals, Zalmi leads the Gladiators with a 5-3 record. This dominance in the knockout stages is a testament to their "big-game" temperament, which often surfaces when the pressure is at its peak. Their historic ability to handle the high-octane "death overs" and maintain tactical composure in the field has frequently been the deciding factor between lifting a trophy or heading home early. While Quetta has often dominated the group stages with flair, Zalmi’s mental toughness and experience in sudden-death scenarios remain their greatest weapon. This playoff edge ensures that, despite Quetta's recent regular-season form, the Yellow Storm remains the team to beat when the tournament reaches its business end.

Babar Azam's Clinical Performances Against the Gladiators

Since joining the Yellow Storm, Babar Azam has treated Quetta’s bowling attack with clinical precision. In 8 innings against them for Zalmi, Babar has amassed over 400 runs at an average exceeding 50. His tactical battle against Quetta’s mystery spinners and express pacers like Mohammad Hasnain is always the "match within the match." Babar’s ability to anchor the innings while accelerating at will has made him the most prized wicket for the Gladiators’ think tank.

Quetta Gladiators’ Recent Form: Can They Overtake Zalmi?

The tide has shifted recently; in the last two seasons (2024–2025), Quetta has won 4 out of their last 5 encounters against Peshawar. Their aggressive recruitment of explosive openers and a revitalized middle order has turned them into a nightmare for Zalmi’s bowling unit. If the Gladiators maintain this momentum throughout the 2026 season, they are officially on track to overtake Zalmi in the overall head-to-head record for the first time in PSL history.

Memorable Chases: Kevin Pietersen’s 2017 Heroics

In the history of the PSL, one cannot discuss Quetta Gladiators without mentioning the legendary Kevin Pietersen. During the 2017 season, in a high-pressure encounter against Peshawar Zalmi, Pietersen produced a masterclass that remains etched in the hearts of the Purple Force fans. Chasing a stiff target, he dismantled the Zalmi bowling attack with effortless ease, proving why he was regarded as a world-class T20 specialist. His iconic ability to loft the ball cleanly over long-on against Zalmi’s premier pacers turned a daunting chase into a clinical victory. Pietersen’s dominance that day didn't just win a game; it established a psychological edge for Quetta that lasted for seasons, making his 2017 performance a gold standard for overseas players in the league.

Zalmi’s Last-Over Thriller: Anwar Ali vs Liam Dawson

The 2019 season provided one of the most heart-stopping finishes in the rivalry's history, centered around a dramatic final over. With Peshawar Zalmi needing 14 runs off the last few deliveries, the ball was in the hands of Quetta’s Anwar Ali, while Liam Dawson stood at the crease. In a stunning display of composure, Dawson showcased incredible nerves under immense pressure. He managed to find the boundary and clear the ropes with a massive six, snatching a victory for Zalmi from the absolute jaws of defeat. This encounter remains one of the most viewed "last over" clips in PSL history, perfectly capturing the unpredictable nature of this fixture where the game is never truly over until the very last ball is bowled.