PSL 11: Zalmi Pull Off Stunning Chase; Sultans Send United to Bat
News Desk
Lahore: A high-scoring contest and a crucial toss decision highlighted Saturday’s action in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11, as Peshawar Zalmi pulled off a thrilling chase, while Multan Sultans chose to field first against Islamabad United in the fourth match at Gaddafi Stadium.
In the day’s earlier fixture, Zalmi produced a dominant batting display to chase down a daunting 215-run target set by Rawalpindi team PSL, sealing a five-wicket victory on the first ball of the final over.
The chase was powered by collective contributions from Babar Azam, Mohammad Haris, Kusal Mendis, Abdul Samad and Michael Bracewell. Openers Babar and Haris laid a solid foundation with a brisk 78-run stand, including a rapid 50 inside five overs. Babar scored 39 off 28 balls before falling to Asif Afridi.
Haris kept up the momentum with 47 off 28 deliveries before being dismissed by Amad Butt. Mendis added quick runs, scoring 31 off 17 balls, but Zalmi lost wickets at regular intervals to keep the contest alive.
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The turning point came through a late surge by Abdul Samad, who smashed 33 off just 11 balls, and Bracewell, who contributed 35 off 17. Aamir Jamal then sealed the win with an unbeaten 17 off five balls, finishing the chase in the final over.
For RawalPindiz, Amad Butt led the bowling with two wickets, while Mohammad Amir, Afridi, and Rishad Hossain chipped in with one wicket each.
Earlier, opting to bat first, RawalPindiz posted an imposing 214-4 in 20 overs, thanks to a blistering opening stand between Yasir Khan and Mohammad Rizwan. The pair added 125 runs, with Rizwan scoring 41 off 32 balls before falling to Ali Raza.
Yasir Khan led the charge with a superb 83 off 46 deliveries, narrowly missing a century. Late contributions from Kamran Ghulam (37 off 20), Daryl Mitchell (23 off 13), and Sam Billings (18 not out off 8) pushed the total past 200.
Ali Raza was the pick of the bowlers for Zalmi, claiming two wickets, while Aaron Hardie and Aamir Jamal took one each.
Meanwhile, in the fourth match, Multan Sultans won the toss and elected to bowl first against Islamabad United. Historically, United hold the edge in the rivalry, winning 10 of their 18 encounters, compared to Sultans’ eight victories. United also dominated their meetings in the previous PSL season, winning both clashes.
Saturday’s fixtures underscored the batting-friendly conditions at Gaddafi Stadium, setting the stage for another potentially high-scoring encounter later in the day.
