Clinical Zalmi Dominate in All Departments
Peshawar Zalmi registered a commanding seven-wicket victory over Lahore Qalandars on Thursday, built on the back of a sharp bowling performance and a composed unbeaten stand between captain Babar Azam and Hussain Talat.
Early Wobble in Chase Before Calm Resurgence
Chasing a modest target of 130, Zalmi got off to a disastrous start, losing openers Saim Ayub and Tom Kohler-Cadmore for just seven runs. Mohammad Haris looked threatening with a quick 20 but fell to a clever slower ball from Shaheen Afridi, leaving Zalmi rattled at 40 for 3 inside five overs.
A major turning point came when Babar Azam was given out LBW but reversed the decision successfully using DRS. That moment seemed to settle him.
Captain Babar and Talat Build a Winning Stand
From there, Babar Azam took control. Alongside Hussain Talat, he put on an unbeaten 93-run partnership that guided Zalmi home with 20 balls to spare.
Babar, under pressure for form, delivered his first fifty of the season—an assured 56 off 42 balls. Hussain Talat complemented him perfectly, scoring a fluent 51 off 37 deliveries.
Shaheen, Rauf Shine Briefly for Qalandars
For Lahore, Shaheen Afridi impressed with the ball, picking up two early wickets, while Haris Rauf dismissed Saim Ayub. However, the bowling lacked support as Zalmi’s middle order stood firm.
Zalmi Bowlers Set the Tone Early
Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi’s bowlers laid the foundation for victory by restricting Lahore Qalandars to just 129 in 19.3 overs. Opting to bowl first, Zalmi struck early and consistently.
Alzarri Joseph and Luke Wood were the stars with the ball. Joseph rattled the Qalandars’ top order, finishing with 3 for 16, while Wood chipped in with 2 for 25.
Lahore’s Top Order Crumbles Under Pressure
Lahore’s innings never really took off. Fakhar Zaman was bowled for 10 by Joseph, and a surprise promotion for Asif Ali failed, as he was trapped LBW by Wood for 5. Abdullah Shafique fell for a duck, and the collapse continued with Daryl Mitchell and Sam Billings both falling cheaply.
At 33 for 5, the Qalandars were in deep trouble.
Raza Lone Warrior in a Faltering Line-Up
Sikandar Raza was the lone bright spot, playing a fighting knock of 52 off 37 balls. He hit five fours and three sixes, pushing Lahore past 100 with brief support from Rishad Hossain (13) and Haris Rauf (10).
But with wickets falling steadily, Lahore failed to build momentum and were bowled out for 128.
Zalmi Back on Track
This comprehensive victory provides much-needed momentum for Peshawar Zalmi, especially as Babar Azam appears to be regaining form. With both batting and bowling clicking, Zalmi will be looking to build on this win as the PSL 10 league stage intensifies.
