It’s fair to say that Umar Akmal’s career has been up and down so far – but he was on a high in Dubai for Quetta Gladiators on Friday night.

The 28-year-old smashed an unbeaten 75 from just 50 balls as Quetta, with help from Sarfraz Ahmed‘s knock of 37, chased down Peshawar Zalmi’s 155-4 with two runs to spare in their PSL 2019 opener.

It was a timely reminder of just how good Ukmal – who scored Test and ODI tons as a teenager – can be on his day.

The mercurial big-hitter has not been seen in Pakistan colours since he was dropped from the Champions Trophy squad for failing a fitness test in 2017.

But after watching Umar fire for his side, Sarfraz was quick to give him the seal of approval for a potential return.

“Umar is a talented player and he can always do well for his team. If he continues to play like this, I’m sure he will soon make a comeback,” Sarfraz was quoted as saying by Geo after the game.

Friday’s result was some measure of revenge for the Gladiators, who saw their PSL hopes snuffed out in a heart-breaking one-run defeat against Peshawar in last year’s eliminator.

Sarfraz was delighted with the winning start but admitted that ‘at the same time, it is important to keep that momentum’.

He added: “We will try to continue with same momentum and passion in the tournament.”

Quetta next play reigning champions Islamabad United in Dubai on Sunday.