Peshawar Zalmi vs Karachi Kings: Preview, prediction and likely lineups for PSL 9 match

Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings are set for an electrifying clash in the highly anticipated sixth match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024. The contest will take place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday, February 21.

Both Peshawar and Karachi experienced setbacks in their first games and are eager to redeem themselves in this upcoming encounter.

Peshawar faced defeat against Quetta Gladiators in their previous match, while Karachi suffered a setback against Multan Sultans. As both teams strive for their first victory in the tournament, the battle promises heightened excitement and anticipation.

Karachi Kings, led by Shan Masood, lost the opening game to Mohammad Mohammad Rizwan's Multan Sultans. Courtesy of Reeza Hendricks's 79-run knock, the Sultans managed to put 185 runs on the board in the first innings.

However, despite boasting a potent batting lineup, the Kings succumbed under pressure, and the loss of wickets at regular intervals foiled the momentum. Eventually, Shoaib Malik's brave half-century contributed to the losing cause as the Kings were bundled for 130 runs.

Babar Azam's Peshawar Zalmi lost their season opener to Quetta Gladiators by fine margins on Sunday. The bowling unit leaked a ridiculous number of runs in the death overs, which helped the Gladiators post a mammoth 206 runs on board.

However, the Zalmi didn't lose hope as Saim Ayub and Babar Azam put together a 91-run partnership for the opening stand.

The Zalmi had the game under their grip until the middle order couldn't accelarate in the mid-overs. Besides the openers, nobody could cross the 20-run mark figure as Peshawar Zalmi fell short of 16 runs at the end.

It was indeed a tough loss for skipper Babar Azam, who dropped every ounce of sweat to somehow take his team through the finish line.

Regardless, the upcoming game against the Karachi Kings is a new opportunity for Babar to get his team back to winning ways and earn some points on the table.

Pitch Report

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is designed to be batter-friendly, featuring a consistently even playing surface that offers minimal support to bowlers. Although spinners might discover some assistance as the match advances, pacers encounter a formidable challenge in trying to make a significant impact on the pitch.

Probable Playing XIs

Karachi Kings: James Vince, Shan Masood (c), Saad Baig (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Shoaib Malik, Kieron Pollard, Daniel Sams, Hasan Ali, Tabraiz Shamsi, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Amir Khan

Peshawar Zalmi: Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Haris (wk), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Rovman Powell, Asif Ali, Dan Mousley, Aamer Jamal, Luke Wood, Mohammad Zeeshan, Salman Irshad

Prediction

Peshawar Zalmi's squad is more balanced compared to the Karachi Kings'. Barring a few miscues in the bowling department, the Zalmi should register a comfortable victory against the Kings in this coming fixture.