Inzamam, Azhar Shine but Zalmi Edge Legends

News Desk 

Lahore: Peshawar Zalmi eked out a thrilling six-run win over Legends XI in a charity exhibition match at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium on Saturday, staged under the “Khel Se Khidmat” initiative to raise funds for flood relief.

Opting to bat first, Zalmi rode on a brisk opening partnership between Babar Azam (41 off 23 balls) and Yasir Hameed (35 off 18), who added 50 runs to set a solid platform.

However, their strong start was undone by a middle-order collapse triggered by Abdur Rehman (3 wickets) and Mohammad Hafeez (2). Shahid Afridi then turned the tide further with three quick strikes, while Saeed Ajmal chipped in with two, as Zalmi were bowled out for 144 in 14.4 overs, falling short of completing their 15 overs.

The Legends XI reply began disastrously. Mohammad Irfan and Salman Khan tore through the top order, reducing them to 6-3 within three overs. Former skipper Azhar Ali (9) and Humayun Farhat (27) attempted to steady the innings, but wickets continued to tumble.

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Babar Azam, switching roles with the ball, claimed the crucial wicket of Younis Khan, tightening Zalmi’s grip on the game.

Veteran Inzamam-ul-Haq provided late resistance with some trademark strokes, but his efforts fell short as Zalmi bowlers held their nerve in the closing stages to seal a narrow win.

The charity encounter drew an enthusiastic crowd, with cricket legends and current stars joining forces to support rehabilitation efforts for communities affected by last year’s devastating floods.