Peshawar Zalmi Win on Nahid Ranas Debut Day

Peshawar Zalmi secured a thrilling four-wicket victory over Hyderabad Kingsmen in a last-ball encounter in the PSL at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

Zalmi’s bowlers laid the foundation for the win with a disciplined performance, not allowing the Kingsmen to post a big total. While the chase seemed comfortable for most of the innings, the match turned tense towards the end.

Chasing a target of 146, captain Babar Azam led from the front for Zalmi, scoring 43 off 37 balls with six boundaries. Kusal Mendis added 27, while Michael Bracewell contributed 25, as the trio built the platform for the chase.

However, Zalmi stumbled towards the finish. At 125 for 6 in 17.1 overs, they found themselves under pressure. With 14 runs needed in the final over, Iftikhar Ahmed held his nerve, remaining unbeaten on 15 off 10 balls. Aamer Jamal chipped in with a crucial 6 runs to seal the win.

Earlier, Hyderabad Kingsmen struggled from the outset after being put in to bat. They kept losing wickets at regular intervals and failed to build momentum. The only resistance came from Kusal Perera and Marnus Labuschagne, who put together an 82-run partnership for the fifth wicket off 55 balls.

Apart from that stand, none of the batters could make an impact. Seven players failed to reach double figures, including four who were dismissed for ducks.

Iftikhar Ahmed was the standout performer with the ball for Zalmi, picking up four wickets in the space of just eight deliveries to dismantle the opposition’s top order.

Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana made his debut for Peshawar Zalmi in this match, conceding 30 runs in his 3 overs. Another Bangladeshi pacer, Shoriful Islam, gave away 21 runs in 2 overs. However, neither managed to take a wicket.

With this win, Peshawar Zalmi strengthened their position on the points table, while Hyderabad Kingsmen remain winless after suffering their third consecutive defeat.