Karachi — In a nail-biting encounter of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 11), Peshawar Zalmi defeated Hyderabad Kingsmen by four wickets in a dramatic low-scoring match at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday.
Chasing a modest target of 146 runs, Zalmi faced early setbacks but held their nerve to secure victory in the final over. The win was powered by key contributions from skipper Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis, who played crucial roles in stabilizing the innings after a shaky start.
The chase began on the wrong foot when opener Mohammad Haris fell for 11 off just six deliveries, leaving Zalmi at 17-1. However, Babar Azam and Mendis quickly regrouped, forming a vital partnership that pushed the team past the 50-run mark and restored control.
Their 49-run stand ended when Saim Ayub dismissed Mendis for 27, but Babar continued to anchor the innings with a composed 43 off 37 balls. Further partnerships with Michael Bracewell and Iftikhar Ahmed helped Zalmi edge closer to the target, despite losing wickets at regular intervals.
The match reached a tense climax when Zalmi needed 14 runs in the final over. Despite pressure from the Kingsmen bowlers, Zalmi successfully chased down the target, finishing at 146-6. Iftikhar Ahmed remained unbeaten with a crucial 15 off 10 deliveries, ensuring a dramatic finish in Zalmi’s favor.
In the bowling department, Iftikhar Ahmed was the standout performer, delivering a match-winning spell that restricted Hyderabad earlier in the game. He, along with Sufiyan Muqeem, dismantled the Kingsmen batting lineup, taking eight wickets collectively and preventing them from building a higher total.
Batting first, Hyderabad Kingsmen were bowled out for 145 in 18.2 overs. Despite a promising start from Maaz Sadaqat and Saim Ayub, who added 26 runs for the opening partnership, Zalmi’s bowlers quickly turned the tide.
Iftikhar struck early, removing Sadaqat and Saim Ayub in quick succession, before also dismissing Usman Khan and Sharjeel Khan, leaving the Kingsmen struggling at 33-3. Kusal Perera then led the recovery with a well-crafted 58 off 35 balls, marking his third PSL half-century.
Perera and skipper Marnus Labuschagne added a vital partnership to push the score past 100, but Zalmi’s bowlers struck back in the death overs. Sufiyan Muqeem played a key role, taking four wickets for 32 runs, including Perera’s dismissal, which triggered a collapse in the Kingsmen’s lower order.
Additional wickets fell rapidly, with Zalmi bowlers maintaining pressure until the Kingsmen were bowled out. Notably, Zalmi’s disciplined bowling attack and strategic field placements proved decisive in limiting the opposition.
The thrilling victory strengthens Peshawar Zalmi’s position in PSL 11 and highlights their ability to perform under pressure. With standout performances from both bat and ball, Zalmi will look to carry this momentum forward as the tournament progresses.