Karachi, March 12, 2024 – In a heart-pounding encounter at the National Stadium Karachi, Peshawar Zalmi emerged victorious against Karachi Kings by a mere two runs in the 29th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 9.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Peshawar Zalmi set a modest target of 148 runs for Karachi Kings. The innings was anchored by skipper Babar Azam, who played a crucial knock, scoring 51 runs in 46 balls. Rovman Powell chipped in with a brisk 30 runs off 18 balls, while Saim Ayub added 19 runs in 18 balls. Despite their efforts, Peshawar Zalmi managed to post a total of 147 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
The Karachi Kings’ bowling unit showcased a commendable performance, with Arafat Minhas, Hasan Ali, and Zahid Mahmood each claiming a wicket.
In pursuit of the target, Karachi Kings found themselves falling short by a whisker, finishing at 145 runs for the loss of five wickets in their 20 overs. Tim Seifert was the leading run-scorer for the Kings, contributing 41 runs in 30 balls. Irfan Khan and Shoaib Malik made valiant efforts with unbeaten innings of 39 runs and 22 runs, respectively.
Naveen-ul-Haq of Peshawar Zalmi emerged as the hero with the ball, securing two crucial wickets for just 22 runs in his four overs. Saim Ayub and Luke Wood also made significant contributions, taking one wicket each to restrict Karachi Kings from reaching the target.
Despite the narrow margin, Peshawar Zalmi held their nerve, ultimately securing the victory by two runs in a match that went down to the wire. Babar Azam’s all-around performance earned him the Player of the Match award for his pivotal innings with the bat.
The nail-biting encounter added another layer of excitement to PSL Season 9, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the last ball was bowled. Both teams exhibited commendable sportsmanship, contributing to the league’s reputation for delivering thrilling and competitive cricket matches. As the tournament progresses, the PSL continues to captivate cricket enthusiasts worldwide with its electrifying action and fierce competition.
