MS vs HK face-off takes place tonight, Zalmi qualify for PSL final

LAHORE: Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 set for big clash as Multan Sultans face Hyderabad Kingsmen in Lahore, winner to meet Islamabad United to qualify for final clash. Peshawar Zalmi qualified for the PSL final match after crushig United in 222-run target.

More to follow

On Tuesday, In-form Babar Azam led Peshawar Zalmi into the Pakistan Super League Season 11 final with a commanding 70-run victory over Islamabad United in the Qualifier at National Stadium on Tuesday.

Zalmi posted an imposing 221-5, powered by Babar’s outstanding 103 off 57 balls, including 12 fours and two sixes. In reply, United were bowled out for 151 in 18.4 overs despite a strong start.

Chasing 222, United openers Devon Conway (20) and Sameer Minhas added 58 runs for the first wicket before Conway was dismissed on the final ball of the fifth over. Minhas then built a brief 23-run stand with Mohsin Riaz but fell for a quick 44 off 23 balls, which included seven fours and a six.

Mohsin Riaz (25) attempted to stabilise the innings alongside captain Shadab Khan, but their partnership ended when Aaron Hardie dismissed Shadab lbw. Mohsin was removed in the following over, leaving United at 100-4.

United then suffered a collapse, losing four wickets for just 23 runs to slump to 126-8 in 15.1 overs. Imad Wasim scored a quick 22 off 15 balls in a late effort, but Mohammad Basit dismissed him and Salman Mirza in the same over to seal the result.

Aaron Hardie was the standout bowler with figures of 3-24, while Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Basit claimed two wickets each.

Earlier, Zalmi made a strong start as Babar and Mohammad Haris added 72 runs. Haris scored 35 off 16 balls before falling to Shadab Khan. Babar then shared an 84-run partnership with Kusal Mendis, who contributed 41 off 26 balls, maintaining the momentum throughout the innings.

With this victory, Zalmi advance to the final in Lahore, while United will get another opportunity as they face the winner of the match between Multan Sultans and Hyderabad Kingsmen.