Kings thrash Peshawar Zalmi by two wickets in PSL thriller

Karachi Kings beat Peshawar Zalmi by two wickets in the 11th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 at the National Bank Stadium Karachi on Monday. 

Chasing a target of 148, the Kings reached home in the last over after losing eight wickets. 

 Karachi Kings relied heavily on Australian star opener David Warner, who played a pivotal role in anchoring the innings.

Warner scored a fluent 60, showcasing his trademark aggression mixed with composure.

All-rounder Khushdil Shah held his nerve under pressure while supporting Warner, finishing unbeaten on 23 runs and guiding his team home in the final over.

His calm approach and crucial boundaries in the last moments helped the Kings dramatically seal the win.

Despite the loss, Peshawar Zalmis’ bowlers had their moments.

Luke Wood was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 3 wickets, while young pacer Ali Raza chipped in with 2 important breakthroughs.

Their efforts, however, fell just short as Karachi Kings crossed the finish line on the third ball of the last over.

 After being asked to bat first, Zalmi scored 147, losing 8 wickets in their 20 overs.  

Babar Azam and Saim Ayub opened the innings for the Zalmi.

However, Saim fell to Mir Hamza after scoring just four runs, bringing Tom Kohler-Cadmore to the crease to join their skipper.

His innings was also a brief one as he was dismissed after scoring just seven runs, with the scoreboard showing 36/2 in 6.5 overs

Mohammad Haris then arrived at the crease and stitched a 31-run partnership with Babar Azam to take Peshawar Zalmi to 67 in 10 overs.

Babar was dismissed after scoring 46 off 41 balls. Hussain Talat made 18 while Mitchell Owen fell to Khushdil Shah after scoring just five runs.

Alzarri Joseph remained unbeaten on 24 off 13 balls as Peshawar finished at 147/8 in their 20 overs.

The Karachi Kings bowlers maintained tight lines throughout the innings, never allowing Zalmi to take control.

Khushdil Shah and Abbas Afridi were the standout performers with the ball, both claiming three wickets each, effectively dismantling the middle and lower order of Zalmi, while Mir Hamza and Aamer Jamal picked up a wicket each.

After winning the toss, Kings skipper David Warner said, "We are trying to adapt to the conditions, probably rotate the strike more.

It's about adapting to the wicket straightaway, whether it's from bat or ball. Our fielding has been outstanding. For us, bowling first, we want to minimize and restrict themto under 150. 
 
Babar Azam said, "We also wanted to bowl, but toss is not in your hands, and we will give our best.

"Confidence is always high when you win a game, and it gives you a boost. Pitch looks a lot better than yesterday and I feel 170 would be a good total." Going with the same team, he added. 

Playing XIs 

Karachi Kings: David Warner (c), Tim Seifert (wk), James Vince, Saad Baig, Khushdil Shah, Irfan Khan Niazi, Mohammad Nabi, Aamer Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Hassan Ali, Mir Hamza
 
Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Tom Kohler Cadmore, Hussain Talat, Mitch Owen, Abdul Samad, Luke Wood, Alazri Joseph, Arif Yaqoob, Ali Raza