KARACHI, April 11 – Peshawar Zalmi produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat Lahore Qalandars by 76 runs in their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 match at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday, securing their fourth win of the season.
Chasing a target of 174, Lahore were bowled out for 97 in 16.5 overs as Zalmi’s disciplined bowling attack dismantled their batting lineup with regular breakthroughs.
Lahore’s innings began poorly when Shoriful Islam removed opener Mohammad Naeem for one in the second over. Although Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique briefly stabilized the innings with a 39-run stand, the momentum quickly shifted.
Nahid Rana broke the partnership by dismissing Shafique for 21, before Michael Bracewell removed Fakhar for 21, leaving Lahore struggling at 43-2.
The middle order collapsed under pressure as Haseebullah (3), Asif Ali (0) and Sikandar Raza (14) all fell cheaply. Bracewell’s three-wicket burst and tight spells from Sufiyan Muqeem ensured Qalandars never recovered.
Further wickets from Muqeem and Nahid Rana deepened the collapse, with Shaheen Afridi also falling for five as Lahore slipped to 67-7. The lower order offered little resistance despite a late 20-run effort from Wellalage, as the team folded well short of the target.
Earlier, Zalmi posted 173-7 after being put in to bat. Openers Mohammad Haris and Babar Azam gave a positive start, with Haris scoring 18 off 10 balls before Shaheen Afridi struck early.
Babar Azam anchored the innings with a composed 43 off 40 deliveries, forming a crucial 109-run partnership with Kusal Mendis. Mendis played a fluent knock, reaching 74 off 48 balls with five fours and four sixes, controlling the innings through the middle overs.
The partnership lifted Zalmi past 150 and placed them in a strong position despite regular wickets in the death overs.
Usama Mir removed Babar to break the stand, while Shaheen Afridi returned to dismiss Mendis, finishing with three wickets. Late contributions from Michael Bracewell, who hit 21 off 10 balls, helped push Zalmi to a competitive total before they were restricted in the final over.
Mustafizur Rahman and Ubaid Shah struck late for Qalandars, but Zalmi’s total proved far beyond Lahore’s reach.
The victory strengthens Peshawar Zalmi’s position in the PSL standings as they continue their strong campaign, while Lahore Qalandars will look to regroup after a heavy defeat.
