Rilee Rossouw’s PSL debut proved a successful one as his 60 inspired the Quetta Gladiators to an eight-run victory against the Lahore Qalanders.
Rossouw’s new, non-international career is off to a good start. After cancelling his CSA contract and signing a Kolpak contract with Hampshire, Rossouw’s schedule opened up and he joined the Gladiators in what is the second edition of the Pakistan Super League.
Kevin Pietersen told SACricketmag.com that Rossouw will be under pressure to score runs since embarking on a different direction in his career, but it’s certainly so far so good for the 27-year-old. He scored a patient 60, which ultimately proved enough for the Gladiators to start their campaign with a victory.
Rossouw came in at No 4 after his compatriot Pietersen departed for three, and his side was in all kinds of problems as partners constantly fell around the Knights batsman. He took a while to get going, but it was necessary, and when the opportunity presented himself, he was allowed to unleash. His 60 came off 47 balls as he struck two sixes and three fours to get his side to 136-9.
The Qalanders fell eight runs short of the mark in the end. Rossouw can consider himself unlucky not to have received the Man of the Match award, but it went instead to Hasan Khan, who bowled economical figures of 2-10 from 2.4 overs.
Rossouw will look to continue this good start alongside Pietersen when the side faces the Karachi Kings on Saturday.
