Qalandars Crush Zalmi to Seal Playoff Spot
News Desk
Islamabad: Peshawar Zalmi’s journey in the Pakistan Super League (PSL X) came to an end after a disciplined performance by Lahore Qalandars secured a 26-run win in the 29th match of the tournament, held at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Sunday.
Batting first in a rain-shortened 13-over contest, Lahore Qalandars posted a competitive total of 149 for 8, thanks largely to a blistering knock of 60 off 36 balls by Fakhar Zaman. His innings included seven boundaries and three massive sixes, laying a strong foundation for the Qalandars. The late hitting from Asif Ali (18 off 6) and contributions from Kusal Perera (17) helped Lahore reach a formidable total despite regular breakthroughs by Zalmi bowlers.
Daniel Sams, Ahmed Daniyal, and Ali Raza picked up two wickets each, with Daniyal being the most economical, conceding just 22 runs in his three overs. Saim Ayub, Mohammad Ali, and Luke Wood went wicketless, but helped contain runs during key phases.
Peshawar Zalmi, chasing 150 under pressure, faltered early and could never fully recover. Despite a valiant 87 off 76 balls from opener Saim Ayub, who was eventually dismissed hit wicket by Salman Mirza, the rest of the batting lineup crumbled under Lahore’s sharp bowling attack. Captain Babar Azam managed only 16 runs before falling to Sikandar Raza, while Mohammad Haris (8) and Max Bryant (0) also departed cheaply.
Salman Mirza was the standout performer with the ball, claiming four crucial wickets, including Ayub and Haris. Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Sikandar Raza each chipped in with key dismissals. Daniel Sams offered some resistance with an unbeaten 26 lower down the order, but lacked support as Zalmi finished at 123 for 8 in their allotted 13 overs.
The match began late under floodlights at 9:50 PM, after Zalmi won the toss at 9:30 PM and opted to field. With revised rules due to rain, each side was restricted to 13 overs, with the powerplay lasting four overs and bowlers limited to a maximum of three or two overs each.
Mohammad Naeem gave Lahore an explosive start with 22 off 10 balls before falling to Sams. Abdullah Shafique and Sikandar Raza were dismissed cheaply by Ali Raza, while Kusal Perera was run out due to sharp work from Mohammad Haris. Asif Ali’s quickfire cameo briefly lifted the scoring rate, but a double strike from Ahmed Daniyal in the same over—removing both Asif and Shakib Al Hasan—checked their momentum.
Shaheen Afridi’s unbeaten 8, including a six, and Haris Rauf’s run out on the final ball, brought Lahore’s innings to a close at 149, with 13 extras bolstering their total. The Qalandars’ run rate stood at an impressive 11.46, underscoring the aggressive nature of the innings despite regular wickets.
With this result, Lahore Qalandars booked their spot in the playoffs, while Peshawar Zalmi were knocked out of the tournament.
