PSL 11: Peshawar Zalmi crush Lahore Qalandars by 76 runs

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi delivered a dominant all-round performance to defeat Lahore Qalandars by 76 runs in a Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11 clash, bowling them out for just 97 while defending a target of 173.

Chasing 174, the Qalandars were under pressure from the outset. Openers Fakhar Zaman and Muhammad Naeem failed to provide a solid start, scoring 21 and 1 respectively before falling early to Zalmi’s disciplined bowling attack.

The responsibility then shifted to Abdullah Shafique and Sikandar Raza, who attempted to rebuild the innings. However, their efforts were short-lived as they managed only 21 and 14, unable to withstand the relentless pressure applied by Zalmi’s bowlers.

The middle order collapsed under mounting pressure. Haseebullah Khan scored just 3, while Asif Ali was dismissed for a duck. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi tried to resist with 20 off 24 balls, but lacked support from the lower order. The rest of the batting lineup, including Usama Mir and Ubaid Shah, contributed only minimally as the team was bundled out for 97.

Earlier, after winning the toss, Lahore Qalandars opted to field first. Batting first, Peshawar Zalmi posted a competitive total of 173 runs, courtesy of a strong middle-order display. Kusal Mendis led the charge with an impressive 74, while skipper Babar Azam added a crucial 43. Contributions from Michael Bracewell (21) and Mohammad Haris (18) helped Zalmi reach a defendable total.

Zalmi’s bowlers then backed up the batting effort with a clinical display, dismantling the Qalandars’ lineup to secure a comprehensive victory.