LAHORE: The Lahore Qalandars delivered a stirring performance at the Gaddafi Stadium, chasing down 199 to defeat Peshawar Zalmi by six wickets in the 38th match of HBL PSL 11. The victory not only showcased Lahore’s batting depth but also brought Zalmi’s unbeaten run in the tournament to a dramatic end.
Zalmi hit 199 runs for four in 20 overs but Qalandars achieved 200 for the loss of four wickets winning the match with precision.
Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi posted 199/4 in 20 overs, powered by Michael Bracewell’s explosive 83 off 45 balls and Babar Azam’s composed 59 off 45 deliveries. Their 94-run stand for the third wicket laid the foundation for a big total, while Iftikhar Ahmed’s late cameo ensured momentum carried into the death overs.
Despite Lahore’s bowlers striking at intervals — Shaheen Shah Afridi (2/36) and Haris Rauf (2/47) were the pick — Zalmi’s batting
depth ensured they crossed the 190 mark. Opting to field first, Lahore’s chase began briskly. Mohammad Naeem struck 10 off 8 balls before falling at 21/1, but the tone was set. Abdullah Shafique then played a dazzling cameo of 25 off 11 balls, peppered with four boundaries and a six, lifting Lahore to 65/2 inside the powerplay.
From there, the innings was anchored by Fakhar Zaman, who compiled a measured 58 not out off 47 balls. His knock, featuring 4 fours and 2 sixes, was his 61st T20 half-century and fourth of the season. Fakhar’s calm presence ensured Lahore’s chase never lost direction.
The middle overs saw Charith Asalanka join Fakhar, adding 33 off 26 balls in a partnership of 53 runs. Their stand steadied the innings after Shafique’s dismissal, taking Lahore past 100 in the 11th over.
Later, Sikandar Raza injected urgency with a blistering 29 off just 10 balls, striking 2 fours and 3 sixes at a strike rate of 290. His 42-run stand with Fakhar in just 27 balls pushed Lahore closer to the target.
The final flourish came from Daniel Sams, who smashed 35 not out off 15 balls, including 5 fours and a six. His aggressive stroke play ensured Lahore crossed the line with 3 balls to spare. Sams was given a reprieve when Iftikhar Ahmed dropped him at long-off, losing the ball in the lights — a costly miss that sealed Zalmi’s fate.
Together, Fakhar and Sams added an unbeaten 40 runs in 22 balls, guiding Lahore to 200/4 in 19.3 overs.
Peshawar’s bowlers struggled to contain Lahore’s batting depth with Khurram Shahzad (1/22) was economical. Sufiyan Muqeem (1/38) and Iftikhar Ahmed (1/33) chipped in with wickets. Ali Raza (1/48) was expensive, while Michael Bracewell (0/22) and Mohammad Basit (0/36) failed to make breakthroughs.
Despite occasional chances, including Sams’ dropped catch, Zalmi’s attack lacked penetration against Lahore’s balanced batting display. Lahore Qalandars’ chase was a blend of aggression and composure. Fakhar Zaman’s steady hand, combined with explosive cameos from Shafique, Raza, and Sams ensured the defending champions ended Zalmi’s unbeaten streak in PSL 11.
