Peshawar Zalmi edges out Karachi Kings, secures top spot

KARACHI: In a closely contested match at the National Cricket Stadium, Peshawar Zalmi defeated Karachi Kings in a gripping Pakistan Super League (PSL) showdown, clinching a two-run win on Monday.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Peshawar Zalmi laid down the gauntlet with a challenging target of 148 runs for the home team, Karachi Kings.

Babar Azam once again showcased a remarkable performance. He scored a half-century off 46 balls, setting the tone for Zalmi’s innings. Rovman Powell contributed significantly with a brisk 30 off 18 deliveries, while Saim Ayub contributed with a composed 19 runs off 18 balls.

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Despite Karachi Kings’ bowlers putting up a decent fight, particularly Arafat Minhas, who conceded just 11 runs in his four overs, Zalmi scored 147 runs while losing only six wickets in the process.

Chasing a target of 148, Karachi Kings’ batsmen displayed resilience. Tim Seifert led the charge with an impressive 41 off 30 balls. Contributions from Ifran Khan and Shoaib Malik kept the Kings’ hopes alive. However, Zalmi’s bowlers particularly Naveen-ul-Haq kept the pressure on.

Naveen claimed two crucial wickets while conceding only 22 runs in his quota of four overs. Meanwhile, Saim Ayub and Luke Wood provided crucial breakthroughs, each claiming a wicket, as Karachi Kings fell short of the target. Kings only managed 145 runs in their allotted 20 overs, losing five wickets in the process.

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Babar Azam’s stellar performance with the bat earned him the Player of the Match award.

With this win, Zalmi moved to the top of the table with thirteen points, followed by Multan Sultans with twelve, and Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators with eleven points each.

As the ninth iteration of the PSL caravan moves forward, fans will next witness the upcoming clash between Quetta Gladiators and Multan Sultans at the National Stadium Karachi on Tuesday at 9 pm.