PSL 10: Karachi Kings defeat Peshawar Zalmi by 23 runs

RAWALPINDI: Karachi Kings defeated Peshawar Zalmi by 23 runs in a high-octane clash of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10, played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Batting first, Karachi Kings posted a mammoth total of 237 for 4, thanks to aggressive half-centuries by captain David Warner and opener James Vince. Peshawar Zalmi, despite a valiant 94-run knock by skipper Babar Azam, managed 214 for 5 in their 20 overs.

After winning the toss, Babar Azam opted to bowl first, but his side struggled to contain Karachi’s powerful batting lineup. Ben McDermott departed without scoring, but Warner and Vince built a dominating 162-run partnership.

Great catch, Vincey!
Bryant is sent packing. #ApnaXHai l #HBLPSLX l #PZvKK pic.twitter.com/PMX6TMNRgA

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) May 17, 2025

Warner smashed 86 off 50 balls, including 11 fours and 2 sixes, while Vince contributed 72 off 42 with 11 boundaries and a six. Irfan Khan was dismissed for 2, but Khushdil Shah added late fireworks with a 43-run blitz off just 15 balls. Mohammad Nabi remained unbeaten on 26 from 10 deliveries.

Among the bowlers, Luke Wood claimed 2 wickets while Ali Raza and Arif Yaqoob picked up one each for Peshawar.

In response, Peshawar’s chase was anchored by Babar Azam’s classy 94, but a lack of acceleration from the middle order left them short. Despite wickets in hand, Zalmi couldn’t match the required rate in the closing overs.

Rain spoils IPL restart as Kolkata exit play-off race

This fixture was part of the resumed PSL 10 schedule, which had earlier been suspended due to Pakistan-India tensions. All foreign players were safely repatriated, and the remaining matches were rescheduled, with Rawalpindi hosting the final four league games and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore set to stage the playoffs and final.

Meanwhile, the Indian Premier League (IPL) also faced disruption. A match in Dharamshala on May 7 was halted after stadium lights suddenly went out. The tournament was later relaunched from May 17, though several overseas players, including Australians, opted out of returning to India.

PSL 10 dedicated to Pakistan armed forces

On the other hand, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dedicated the 10th edition of HBL PSL to the armed forces of Pakistan, announcing that three match days will honour the Army, Navy, and Air Force respectively.

According to the PCB, Saturday’s matches were held in tribute to the Pakistan Army, while Sunday will be dedicated to the Navy and Monday to the Air Force.

A moment of silence was observed at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium to honour the martyrs of the armed forces.

Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir was present in the stadium alongside Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry.

The stadium echoed with chants of “Long live Pakistan Army” and “Long live Pakistan” as the crowd celebrated the special tribute. The event also featured a fireworks display and a patriotic musical performance by singers Sahir Ali Bagga and Israr Shah.

The stadium was decorated with national flags, and tributes were paid to the armed forces for their sacrifices and service to the nation.