Peshawar Zalmi sailed to a 7-wicket win over defending champions Lahore Qalandars in a low-scoring PSL thriller, thanks to unbeaten fifties from captain Babar Azam (58) and Hussain Talat (51). The star duo chased down Lahore’s modest 148-run target with 15 balls to spare, displaying textbook composure under pressure.
Key Performances
Captain Babar’s Knock: 58 from 46 (5 fours, 1 six) – 9th PSL fifty.
Finishing Talent of Talat: 51 from 24 (4 fours, 3 sixes) – career-best T20 score.
Zalmi Bowling Dominance:
Arif Yaqoub (3/23) ripped Qalandars’ top order.
Salman Irshad (2/19) dried up middle-over momentum.
Turning Point
Lahore’s failure from 70/1 to 148/10 in 18.4 overs after Fakhar Zaman’s premature removal (27 off 20).
What’s Next?
Zalmi: Take on Quetta Multan Sultans on [Date] in a top-of-the-table clash.
Qalandars: Hopeful for redemption against Karachi Kings.
Tactical Takeaways
1. Babar’s Anchor Role: Demonstrated why he’s PSL’s highest run-getter (2,900+ runs).
2. Talat’s Redemption: Shut up critics after lean 2023 season.
3. Qalandars’ Concerns: Shaheen’s men now 0-3 – worst PSL start ever.
Stat Alert: This was Zalmi’s first win in 5 attempts vs Qalandars. The tide is turning.
