ISLAMABAD: Lahore Qalandars set a modest target of 130 runs for Peshawar Zalmi after their top order collapsed under sustained pressure from Zalmi’s pace attack, enduring a faltering start to their innings.
Sikandar Raza reached a brilliant half-century with three consecutive boundaries and a six.
Sikandar Raza continued his fine knock with a towering six off Arif Yaqoob, followed by a single, but Haris Rauf was dismissed on the very next delivery. Rauf attempted to play across the line but was bowled.
Alzarri Joseph carried on with his impressive spell, claiming the wicket of Rishad Hossain for 13, courtesy of a sharp catch by Mohammad Haris behind the stumps.
RAZA’S STORM ENDS!
Hussain Talat brings Sikandar Raza’s fiery knock to an end 🫷🏻#HBLPSLX | #ApnaXHai | #LQvPZ pic.twitter.com/ygccm3PXbc
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 24, 2025
Hussain Talat made an immediate impact, removing the dangerous Shaheen Shah Afridi with his very first delivery. Afridi, who had been Lahore’s only real aggressor, edged a drive to the keeper and departed for 16 off 10 following an unsuccessful review.
Ali Raza strikes
Ali Raza struck in his opening over as well, dismissing the well-set Sam Billings with a crafty delivery that drew a leading edge.
Joseph continued his fiery spell with a wicket maiden, sending Abdullah Shafique back for a duck. A sharp, short ball rushed him, and his mistimed pull landed safely in the hands of Luke Wood at mid-on.
Luke Wood then turned the match on its head with a blistering over, removing both Asif Ali and Daryl Mitchell in quick succession.
RAZA ROCKETS!
Sikandar Raza brings up his 50 off just 30 balls! 🔥#HBLPSLX | #ApnaXHai | #LQvPZ pic.twitter.com/Em4FbwhKLh
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 24, 2025
Joseph returned to dismiss the dangerous Fakhar Zaman. After dispatching a boundary earlier in the over, Fakhar attempted to make room and go offside, only to miss a straight one and lose his leg stump.
Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi skipper Babar Azam had won the toss and opted to bowl first — a decision aligned with the prevailing trend of chasing under lights in Lahore.
