Kings vs Zalmi: Mendis, Babar lead Peshawar to massive 246

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi posted a huge total of 246-3 in their 20 overs against Karachi Kings in the 14th match of PSL 11 at the National Bank Stadium, thanks to a brilliant century from Kusal Mendis and an unbeaten 87 from captain Babar Azam.

Zalmi had a shaky start as Mohammad Haris was dismissed for a duck on the second ball of the innings. But Mendis and Babar steadied the ship with a phenomenal 191-run partnership for the second wicket, turning the game in Peshawar’s favor. Mendis scored a blazing 109 off 52 balls, featuring 14 fours and four sixes, before being dismissed by Abbas Afridi in the 17th over.

Babar carried on with an unbeaten 87 off 51 deliveries, adding a quick 49-run stand with Abdul Samad, who finished with a rapid 40 off 12 balls. For the Kings, Afridi was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Khushdil Shah managed one.

Zalmi’s explosive top-order display set up a commanding total, putting them firmly in control of the match.

Karachi Kings elected to field first after winning the toss for the match against Peshawar Zalmi in the 17th Pakistan Super League match.

Karachi Playing XI

David Warner (c), Muhammad Waseem, Salman Ali Agha, Saad Baig, Moeen Ali, Khushdil Shah, Azam Khan (wk), Abbas Afridi, Muhammad Hamza, Adam Zampa, and Mir Hamza.

Peshawar Playing XI

Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Haris (wk), Kusal Mendis, Farhan Yousuf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Michael Bracewell, Abdul Samad, Aamir Jamal, Sufiyan Muqeem, Shoriful Islam, and Nahid Rana.

Head-to-head

The two teams have come face-to-face 21 times, with the 2017 champions leading the head-to-head record with 15 victories, while the Kings have six triumphs to their name.

LQ vs IU

Earlier, Islamabad United defeated Lahore Qalanders in the 16th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), chasing Qalanders’ modest 100-run target in just 10.2 overs.

During the match, Devon Conway shone with an unbeaten 59 off 35 balls in the second game hosted in Karachi today.