KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi produced a devastating all-round performance to thrash unbeaten Karachi Kings by a massive 159 runs in the 17th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday.
After posting a mammoth total of 246/3 batting first, Zalmi’s bowlers dismantled the Kings’ batting lineup, bowling them out for a paltry 87 in just 16.1 overs.
Peshawar Zalmi bundles out Karachi Kings for just 87 to secure a historic 159-run victory. It is officially the largest winning margin in HBL PSL history.#HBLPSL | #NewEra | #KKvPZ pic.twitter.com/3ELzyrRxqo
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 9, 2026
Zalmi innings: Mendis and Babar run riot
Peshawar’s innings began disastrously when Mohammad Haris was dismissed for a golden duck on the second ball of the match, caught by Salman Agha off Khushdil Shah.
Skipper Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis then joined forces to produce a breathtaking 191-run partnership for the second wicket. Mendis was the aggressor, smashing his maiden PSL century – 109 runs off just 52 balls, featuring 14 fours and 4 sixes – before falling to Abbas Afridi in the 17th over.
Babar played the perfect anchor role, remaining unbeaten on 87 off 51 deliveries, hitting 10 boundaries and two sixes.
An absolute batting masterclass in Karachi as Zalmi posts a total of 246👑🏏#NewEra | #KKvPZ pic.twitter.com/5Qo2RLo0Qv
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 9, 2026
Late fireworks
After Michael Bracewell departed for a quick 6 off 3 balls, Abdul Samad provided a spectacular finish, blasting 40 not out off only 12 deliveries, including three fours and four sixes, at a staggering strike rate of 333.33.
Kings’ Bowling Woes
Abbas Afridi was the only multiple wicket-taker for Karachi, claiming 2/55. Khushdil Shah took 1/37, while Mir Hamza, Mohammad Hamza, Adam Zampa, and Moeen Ali all went wicketless and conceded heavily.
Kings innings: Complete collapse
Chasing a daunting 247 for victory, Karachi Kings lost their first three wickets for just 8 runs. Muhammad Waseem fell first ball to Iftikhar Ahmed for a duck, captain David Warner followed for a golden duck off Shoriful Islam, and Salman Agha departed for 5, also lbw to Iftikhar.
Nahid Rana sends down a double-wicket maiden 🔥#HBLPSL11 | #NewEra | #KKvPZ pic.twitter.com/rvEu031W9d
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 9, 2026
Middle order offers little resistance
Saad Baig showed some fight with 14 off 11 balls before falling to Nahid Rana. Azam Khan top-scored for the Kings with 25 off 27 deliveries, including three fours and a six, but his dismissal sparked another collapse.
Moeen Ali (9), Khushdil Shah (10), Abbas Afridi (9), Adam Zampa (0), and Mohammad Hamza (2) all fell cheaply, with only Mir Hamza remaining unbeaten on 4.
Zalmi bowlers run riot
Nahid Rana was the pick of the Zalmi bowlers, claiming three wickets for just 7 runs in his four overs, including a maiden over. Sufiyan Muqeem also took three wickets for 18 runs, while Iftikhar Ahmed grabbed three wickets for 9 runs in just 2.1 overs. Shoriful Islam chipped in with one wicket.
Match Summary
- Peshawar Zalmi: 246/3 in 20 overs (Kusal Mendis 109, Babar Azam 87, Abdul Samad 40; Abbas Afridi 2/55)
- Karachi Kings: 87 all out in 16.1 overs (Azam Khan 25; Nahid Rana 3/7, Sufiyan Muqeem 3/18, Iftikhar Ahmed 3/9)
- Result: Peshawar Zalmi won by 159 runs
