ISLAMABAD: Peshawar Zalmi secured a convincing seven-wicket victory over Lahore Qalandars in the 14th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10, played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday.
Despite a shaky start and the loss of early wickets, Peshawar Zalmi recovered strongly, reaching the 130-run modest target with 20 balls to spare, thanks to composed unbeaten half-centuries from Babar Azam and Hussain Talat.
Peshawar Zalmi’s run chase began on a shaky note as they lost openers Saim Ayub and Tom Kohler-Cadmore cheaply, both dismissed within the first two overs with only seven runs on the board.
Ayub scored two before edging to mid-off, while Kohler-Cadmore was bowled by a sharp delivery from Haris Rauf.
Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris provided some resistance, smashing two fours and two sixes in a 16-ball 20, before falling to Shaheen Shah Afridi in the fifth over, leaving Peshawar Zalmi struggling at 40 for three.
From there, Babar Azam and Hussain Talat steadied the innings with a composed and calculated 89-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Babar remained unbeaten on 56 off 42 deliveries, hitting seven boundaries and a six, while Talat contributed a fluent 51 not out from 37 balls, including six fours and a six.
For Lahore Qalandars, Shaheen Afridi stood out with figures of 2 for 22 in his four overs, while Haris Rauf claimed one wicket.
Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi’s decision to bowl first proved effective as their disciplined attack bundled out Lahore Qalandars for 129 in 19.2 overs.
The collapse began early when Fakhar Zaman, attempting an aggressive shot, was bowled by Alzarri Joseph for 10.
Luke Wood then dealt a double blow, removing Asif Ali (5) and Daryl Mitchell (2) in quick succession.
The Lahore Qalandars were reeling at 35 for five at the end of the powerplay.
In an attempt to counter the collapse, captain Shaheen Afridi promoted himself up the order but was dismissed for 16 off 10 balls in the eighth over.
Sikandar Raza held the innings together with a fighting 52 off 36 balls, featuring five fours and three sixes.
He shared brief partnerships with Rishad Hossain (13) and Haris Rauf (10), but lacked sustained support from the rest of the batting line-up.
Peshawar Zalmi’s bowlers put in a clinical performance. Alzarri Joseph led the attack with 3 for 16 in four overs, while Luke Wood and Hussain Talat bagged two wickets each. Arif Yaqoob and Ali Raza took one wicket apiece.
Despite the win, Peshawar Zalmi remained fourth in the PSL 10 points table with four points from five matches.
Lahore Qalandars, who have an identical record, stayed ahead in third place due to a superior net run rate.
