Peshawar Zalmi edged Hyderabad Kingsmen in a nail-biting Pakistan Super League contest in Karachi, clinching a four-wicket victory off the last delivery. In pursuit of 146, the chase was kept on track by an all-round display from Iftikhar Ahmed, who first delivered with the ball and then finished the run chase with an unbeaten 15 from 10 balls. After a steady platform at 116 for 3 in the 14th over, Babar Azam’s dismissal—caught lbw to Hassan Khan—created a brief wobble. Hyderabad tightened the screws with disciplined overs and key wickets from Mohammad Ali and Hunain Shah, setting Zalmi a demanding target of 14 runs from the final over. Iftikhar took charge with a boundary and then launched a straight six off Hunain, before stealing a crucial single to seal the win.
Key takeaways
- Peshawar Zalmi chased 146 successfully, winning by four wickets in a tense finish in Karachi.
- Iftikhar Ahmed made the difference with 4 wickets for 21 runs, then followed up with 15* off 10 balls.
- Babar Azam’s lbw dismissal to Hassan Khan at 116 for 3 slowed the chase as Hyderabad responded with wickets and tight bowling.
- With 14 needed off the last over, Iftikhar struck a boundary and a straight six off Hunain Shah before taking the winning single.
- Hyderabad’s total of 145 looked precarious early after being reduced to 34 for 4 in the Powerplay.
Hyderabad’s recovery and late collapse
Hyderabad Kingsmen had a difficult start after Iftikhar Ahmed’s spell of 4 for 21 trimmed their top order, leaving them struggling at 34 for 4 during the Powerplay. However, Kusal Perera spearheaded a comeback, striking 58 off 35 balls and building a crucial partnership worth 82 runs for the fifth wicket. Marnus Labuschagne contributed with 27 as they steadied the innings and pushed Hyderabad towards a more defendable score.
That revival did not last. Sufiyan Muqeem broke the stand and finished with figures of 4 for 32, including three wickets in the 17th over. As wickets fell in clusters, Hyderabad’s momentum evaporated, with the final five batters managing only nine runs in total before the innings ended at 145 all out in 18.2 overs.
Zalmi’s chase: from cushion to scramble
Peshawar Zalmi’s chase began with them getting into a strong position, reaching 116 for 3 in the 14th over, where Babar Azam was playing the anchor role with 43. Yet the contest tightened when Babar was dismissed lbw to Hassan Khan, and the change in tempo allowed Hyderabad to apply pressure.
Mohammad Ali and Hunain Shah took wickets at crucial moments, keeping Zalmi from running away with the target and forcing them into a finish where the required rate surged. By the time the last over arrived, Zalmi needed 14 runs. Iftikhar swung the momentum decisively—hitting a boundary, then clearing the ropes with a straight six off Hunain. He then took a single to put the finishing touch on the chase, bringing Zalmi over the line and sealing the match with one ball to spare.
Brief scores
Hyderabad Kingsmen: 145 all out in 18.2 overs (Kusal Perera 58, Marnus Labuschagne 27; Iftikhar Ahmed 4-21, Sufiyan Muqeem 4-32) — lost to Peshawar Zalmi: 146/6 in 20 overs (Babar Azam 43; Saim Ayub 2-19) by four wickets.
