PSL 8: Karachi out of race for playoffs after Peshawar down Lahore

The match was played in Rawalpindi

By Web Desk
March 07, 2023
Peshawar players celebrate after taking a wicket — PCB

Peshawar Zalmi edged closer to playoffs after a 35-run win over Lahore Qalandars during the 23rd match of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Tuesday (today).

Chasing a target of 208 runs, Lahore were all out for 172 in 19.4 overs. 

The result also means that Karachi Kings are out of the race for the playoffs. 

During the run-chase Lahore's opener Shawaiz Irfan was cleaned up by Arshad Iqbal in the first over for a duck.

Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman miscued a pull shot and handed Wahab Riaz his first wicket after scoring run-a-ball 11. On the very next ball, Sam Billings was sent packing for a golden duck by the experienced Riaz. 

Azmatullah Omarzai got in on the action as well after dismissing the in-form Abdullah Shafique. The right-hander scored seven runs in 12 balls. 

Lahore were reduced to 24-4 in the batting powerplay. However, at this stage, Shaheen Afridi and Hussain Talat notched up a 114-run partnership in 65 balls to give their side an outside chance while chasing the daunting target. 

Shaheen Afridi went back to the pavilion after scoring his maiden fifty. He added 52 runs in 36 balls with the help of three fours and five sixes. 

Hussain Talat's resistance came to an end after scoring 63 runs in 37 balls which included four fours and five sixes.

Sikandar Raza played a cameo of 20 runs in seven balls. 

Arshad Iqbal and Wahab Riaz bagged two wickets each for Zalmi. 

Earlier, Zalmi, who looked set for a total around 230 after an explosive start, were bowled out for 207 in 19.3 overs.

Zalmi's opening pair of Babar Azam and Saim Ayub took the attack to the opposition as the duo stitched 107 runs in 66 balls. 

Saim looked in great touch against a world-class bowling attack of the Qalandars as he played some stunning shots to all parts of the ground.

The left-hander reached his fifty in 26 balls with the help of seven fours and two sixes.

However, Saim was dismissed by Rashid Khan after scoring 68 runs in 36 balls. 

Soon after, Mohammad Haris (9) became Rashid's second wicket after he top-edged a sweep shot with Sikandar Raza completing a simple catch at third man. 

Despite bagging two wickets, Rashid conceded 41 runs in his full quota of four overs. 

Babar was dismissed after scoring 50 runs in 41 balls with Haris Rauf taking his first wicket of the match. The right-handed smacked four fours and two sixes. 

Tom Kohler-Cadmore provided impetus at the backend of the innings with 36 runs in 16 balls.  

Shaheen Afridi was the pick of the bowlers for Lahore with figures of 4-31 in four overs.

Peshawar lost eight wickets in the last five overs while scoring 50 runs in the process. 

This was only the second time in eight-year history of PSL that all 20 wickets fell in a match. 

Lineups

Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Shawaiz Irfan, Sam Billings (wk), Abdullah Shafique, Hussain Talat, Sikandar Raza, Rashid Khan, David Wiese, Shaheen Afridi(c), Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan

Peshawar Zalmi: Mohammad Haris (wk), Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Haseebullah Khan, Rovman Powell, Aamer Jamal, Wahab Riaz, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Arshad Iqbal

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