KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi piled up a monumental 246 runs against Karachi Kings in the 17th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday.
Opting to field first after winning the toss, Karachi Kings were left to regret their decision as Zalmi’s batters unleashed a relentless assault, scoring at a staggering rate of 12.30 runs per over.
Early blow before record stand
Peshawar’s innings got off to a shocking start when Mohammad Haris was dismissed for a golden duck on the very second ball of the match, caught by Salman Agha off Khushdil Shah’s bowling.
However, skipper Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis then joined forces to produce one of the most destructive partnerships in PSL history. The duo added a breathtaking 191 runs for the second wicket, completely dismantling the Kings’ bowling attack.
History rewritten in Karachi! ✍️📖
Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis now hold the record for the highest partnership in HBL PSL history, overtaking the previous best of 176 set by Babar Azam and Sharjeel Khan back in 2021. 🏏#HBLPSL | #NewEra | #KKvPZ pic.twitter.com/4k2lGfEhWq
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 9, 2026
Mendis smashes maiden PSL century
Kusal Mendis was the star of the show, registering his maiden PSL hundred in spectacular fashion. He scored 109 runs off just 52 deliveries at a strike rate of 209.61, smashing 14 fours and four towering sixes before falling to Abbas Afridi in the 17th over.
Babar anchors innings with unbeaten 87
Captain Babar Azam played the perfect anchor role, remaining unbeaten on 87 off 51 balls. His innings was laced with 10 boundaries and two sixes, as he rotated strike brilliantly while allowing Mendis and later Abdul Samad to accelerate.
Finishing the Zalmi’s innings in style! 🔥#HBLPSL11 | #NewEra | #KKvPZ pic.twitter.com/Y4sUz5rfiS
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 9, 2026
Samad’s late fireworks
After Michael Bracewell departed for a quickfire 6 off just three balls, Abdul Samad walked in and produced a breathtaking cameo. The hard-hitting batter smashed 40 not out off only 12 deliveries, featuring three fours and four sixes at an astonishing strike rate of 333.33.
Kings’ bowlers struggle
Khushdil Shah was the most economical bowler for Karachi, claiming 1/37 in his four overs. Abbas Afridi picked up two wickets but conceded 55 runs in his spell. The remaining bowlers – Mir Hamza, Mohammad Hamza, Adam Zampa, and Moeen Ali – all went for over 10 runs per over, with Mir Hamza proving the most expensive, leaking 57 runs in four overs.
Match situation
With a massive target of 247 runs in front of them, Karachi Kings now face a daunting chase to keep their unbeaten record intact.
