Introduction:
Peshawar Zalmi delivered a strong all-round performance in PSL Season 11 as they defeated Karachi Kings in a high-scoring clash at Gaddafi Stadium. Kusal Mendis starred with the bat, while Ali Raza produced a match-winning spell, including a memorable hat-trick.
Peshawar Zalmi chased down a challenging target of 183 in just 18 overs. They lost only three wickets and maintained complete control during the run chase.
Karachi Kings started their innings with promise. Jason Roy played a brilliant knock of 85 from 51 balls, hitting 11 fours and two sixes. However, wickets at regular intervals stopped them from building a stronger total.
David Warner struggled early and scored just 11 runs before getting bowled by Ali Raza. Roy kept the innings together and formed useful partnerships with Salman Ali Agha and Reeza Hendricks.
The biggest boost for Karachi came when Azam Khan joined Roy. The duo added 63 quick runs in only 32 balls, giving their team strong momentum. Azam scored 35 off 19 balls before getting out to Iftikhar Ahmed.
After Roy’s dismissal, Karachi’s batting collapsed. No batter managed to settle, and they finished their innings at 182 for 9.
Ali Raza made a huge impact for Zalmi with the ball. He took a hat-trick during the death overs and ended with four wickets. His spell completely shifted the momentum in Zalmi’s favor.
Karachi also saw support from Abbas Afridi, Khushdil Shah, Hasan Ali, and others, who picked up one wicket each.
During the chase, Zalmi’s innings had a shaky start. James Vince and Babar Azam added 37 runs before both fell in quick succession. Babar scored 25 off 19 balls, while Vince made 16.
Read more: Karachi Kings announce Moeen Ali as direct signing for PSL 11
Aaron Hardie and Kusal Mendis then tried to rebuild the innings with a short partnership. Hardie scored 22 runs before Khushdil Shah dismissed him.
At 67 for 3, Zalmi needed stability, and Farhan Yousaf joined Mendis at the crease. From there, the match turned completely.
Mendis and Yousaf played confidently and built a massive unbeaten partnership of 119 runs from just 69 balls. They took full control of the chase and attacked the bowlers in the final overs.
Mendis remained the standout performer, scoring 80 not out off 43 balls with five fours and four sixes. Yousaf also impressed with a fluent 58 off 36 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes.
Their partnership sealed Zalmi’s victory and continued their strong winning run in the tournament.
