Peshawar Zalmi edge out Hyderabad Kingsmen in low-scoring PSL thriller

Peshawar Zalmi held their nerve to defeat Hyderabad Kingsmen by four wickets in a tense, low-scoring encounter of Pakistan Super League Season 11 at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday.

Chasing a modest 146-run target, Zalmi crossed the finish line in the final over after a dramatic collapse that saw them lose wickets at regular intervals late in the innings. The chase began on a shaky note when opener Mohammad Haris was dismissed for 11 off just six balls, leaving the side at 17-1 inside two overs.

Captain Babar Azam then steadied the innings alongside Kusal Mendis, with the duo putting together a crucial 49-run partnership. Mendis scored 27 off 23 balls, hitting one four and two sixes, before being dismissed by Saim Ayub.

Michael Bracewell joined Babar at the crease, and the pair kept the scoreboard moving with a valuable 38-run stand. Bracewell contributed 25 off 19 balls, including two fours and a six, before Ayub struck again to break the partnership.

Babar continued to anchor the innings but fell at a crucial stage, scoring 43 off 37 deliveries with six boundaries before being dismissed by Hassan Khan on the final ball of the 15th over.

Zalmi’s chase then wobbled under pressure as Mohammad Ali dismissed Farhan Yousaf (15), followed by Hunain Shah removing Abdul Samad for just one, reducing Zalmi to 125-6 in 17.1 overs.

With 14 runs required off the final over, tension gripped the stadium. However, Iftikhar Ahmed held his composure, smashing an unbeaten 15 off 10 balls, including a crucial four and six, while Aamer Jamal supported him with six runs to guide Zalmi to victory.

Earlier, Hyderabad Kingsmen were bowled out for 145 in 18.2 overs despite a fighting effort from their middle order. Openers Maaz Sadaqat (17 off 8) and Saim Ayub (14) provided a brisk start with a 26-run stand before Iftikhar struck early.

Iftikhar Ahmed turned the game in Zalmi’s favour with a sensational spell, removing Sadaqat, Ayub, Usman Khan (duck), and Sharjeel Khan (2) to leave Kingsmen reeling at 33-4.

A recovery effort was then led by skipper Marnus Labuschagne and Kusal Perera, who stitched together a vital 50-run partnership. Labuschagne scored 27 off 27 balls with three boundaries before falling to Sufiyan Muqeem.

Perera stood out with a brilliant 58 off 35 balls, striking five fours and two sixes to register his third PSL half-century and push the total past 140. However, Muqeem dismantled the lower order in the death overs, removing Irfan Khan Niazi (9), Perera, and Maheesh Theekshana (duck) in quick succession.

Hunain Shah was run out without facing a ball, while Hassan Khan was the last man dismissed by Aamer Jamal after scoring nine.

Zalmi’s bowling attack proved decisive, with Iftikhar Ahmed returning outstanding figures of 4/21, while Sufiyan Muqeem claimed 4/32. Aamer Jamal also chipped in with one wicket.