Lahore: Peshawar Zalmi clinched a thrilling five-wicket victory over RawalPindiz in the third match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Saturday.
Chasing a formidable target of 215, the Zalmi reached 218/5 with five balls to spare, thanks to a late onslaught that turned a tense chase into a memorable win.
Peshawar Zalmi pull off their highest-ever successful run chase, hunting down a massive total to rewrite the record books! 📈🔥
Their last highest run chase was 199 against Gladiators in 2021.
#HBLPSL11 | #NewEra | #PZvRP pic.twitter.com/BJBDmLJ2km
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 28, 2026
RawalPindiz post commanding total after Yasir, Rizwan fireworks
Opting to bat first, RawalPindiz got off to a blistering start. Openers Yasir Khan and Mohammad Rizwan laid a solid foundation with a 125-run partnership. Yasir was the aggressor, smashing 83 off just 46 balls, including seven fours and six sixes, before he was caught behind off Ali Raza. Captain Rizwan played a steady hand, contributing 41 off 32 deliveries.
Kamran Ghulam provided the late impetus with a quickfire 37 off 20 balls, while Daryl Mitchell (23) and Sam Billings (18 not out) ensured the RawalPindiz finished strongly at 214/4 in their 20 overs. For Peshawar, young pacer Ali Raza was the pick of the bowlers, claiming two crucial wickets.
Zalmi survive scare in tense chase
In response, Peshawar’s chase was anchored by their openers. Mohammad Haris (47 off 28) and Babar Azam (39 off 28) added 78 runs for the first wicket to keep the required rate in check. However, the RawalPindiz fought back through Amad Butt, who removed both set batters, and Rishad Hossain, who dismissed Aaron Hardie (8). When Kusal Mendis fell shortly after, the Zalmi found themselves at 130/4 in the 15th over, still needing 85 runs from 35 balls.
Bracewell takes on Naseem Shah! 🏏#HBLPSL11 | #NewEra | #PZvRP pic.twitter.com/SK2pqdsN9C
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 28, 2026
Bracewell, Samad, Jamal seal thriller
With the game hanging in the balance, Michael Bracewell (35 not out off 17) steadied the ship. He found an aggressive partner in Abdul Samad, who launched a stunning assault, smashing 33 off just 11 balls, including four sixes, to bring the equation down to 21 runs off the final two overs.
After Samad’s dismissal in the 18th over, Aamer Jamal walked in and finished the job in style. He hammered an unbeaten 17 off five deliveries, sealing the victory with a boundary in the 20th over. The Zalmi finished at 218/5, winning by five wickets with five balls to spare.
Amad Butt was the standout bowler for Rawalpindi with figures of 2/45, while Mohammad Amir and Rishad Hossain picked up one wicket each.
The win gives Peshawar Zalmi a strong start to their PSL 2026 campaign.
