RAP VS Zalmi: Babar’s side beat PSL newly entered team

LAHORE: In an exciting T20 clash, Peshawar Zalmi secured a thrilling 5-wicket victory over the newly brought-in team, Pindiz. The strong batting performance of the Babar Azam captained team were able to seal the game with 5 balls to spare.

Chasing a target of 215 set by Pindiz, Zalmi reached 218 for 5 in 19.1 overs.

Opening batsman Mohammad Haris played his batting well, scoring a lively 47 runs off just 28 balls (featuring 4 boundaries and 2 sixes).  As Haris provided an aggressive batting, Captain Babar Azam also regained the strength, contributing a well-paced 39 off 28 deliveries (studded with 4 fours and a six).

Guiding the innings with calm leadership, the middle-order batsman Kusal Mendis also shone. The batters of this order were able to score 31 runs from 17 balls, featuring 1 boundary and 2 sixes, maintaining the momentum with a strike rate over 180. Kusal Mendis addeda quickfire of 31 off 17 balls with 3 fours and 2 sixes, while Michael Bracewell added 35 off 11 balls. Abdul Samad’s quickfire 33 from 11 balls, helped keep the chase on track. The finishing touches were provided by Aamir Jamal, who smashed 17 runs off 5 balls without being dismissed.

Bowling side while defending the side’s massive were unable to flow the moment. Amad Butt took two (though) crucial wickets, and Mohammad Amir chipped in with key breakthroughs.

Earlier, a blistering knock of 83 by Yasir Khan propelled Rawalpindiz to a commanding total of 214 against Peshawar Zalmi in their Pakistan Super League (PSL) clash at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

The match marked the third fixture of the ongoing PSL season, featuring eight competing teams. The Lahore Qalandars secured a 69-run victory in the in the in the tournament opener, while Karachi Kings defeated Quetta Gladiators in the second match.

Batting first, Rawalpindiz got off to a strong start as openers Yasir Khan and Muhammad Rizwan built a solid foundation. Yasir led from the front with an explosive 83 off 46 balls, while Rizwan contributed a steady 41 off 32 deliveries.

The momentum continued with Kamran Ghulam adding 37 and Daryl Mitchell chipping in with 23, pushing the total close to 180. Later contributions from Sam Billings (18) and Abdullah Fazal (5), along with 7 extra runs conceded by Zalmi, helped Rawalpindiz post a formidable total of 214.

Fans were treated to a double-header, with another exciting contest scheduled between Multan Sultans and Islamabad United later in the day.