PSL 11: Zalmi crush Qalandars to go top

Peshawar Zalmi continued their dominant run in PSL 11 with a comprehensive 76-run victory over Lahore Qalandars, climbing to the top of the points table after another commanding all-round display.

Set 174 to chase, Qalandars struggled throughout and were bowled out for just 97. Fakhar Zaman top-scored with 21, while the rest of the batting unit failed to build partnerships.

Michael Bracewell and Sufiyan Muqeem led the charge with three wickets each, while Nahid Rana supported with two scalps as Zalmi wrapped up the chase with ease.

Babar, Mendis set the platform

Zalmi posted 173 for 7 after being put into bat, thanks to another strong partnership between Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis. Following their record 191-run stand in the previous game, the duo added 109 runs this time to lay the foundation.

After Mohammad Haris fell early once again, Mendis took charge immediately, striking boundaries off Shaheen Shah Afridi and Ubaid Shah. He went on to score 74 off 48 balls, hitting five fours and four sixes.

Babar anchored the innings with 43 off 40 deliveries, providing stability at the other end. During his innings, he survived an injury scare when struck on the neck by a bouncer from Ubaid Shah, but continued after receiving treatment.

Late collapse limits Zalmi total

Despite the strong platform, Zalmi’s middle order failed to capitalise fully. Apart from Bracewell’s quick 21 off 10 balls, the lower order struggled against disciplined death bowling.

Shaheen Afridi (3-22), Mustafizur Rahman (2-30) and Ubaid Shah pulled things back for Qalandars, restricting Zalmi to just 33 runs in the final four overs while picking up five wickets.

Bowlers dismantle Qalandars

Qalandars’ chase never gained traction on a pitch that had already troubled batters earlier in the tournament. Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana struck inside the powerplay to put the chase on the back foot.

Bracewell then tightened the grip through the middle overs, picking up wickets in three consecutive overs, while Muqeem complemented him with a three-wicket haul from the other end.

Muqeem’s performance also took his tally to ten wickets for the season, making him joint-highest wicket-taker alongside Shaheen Afridi, with an average of 9.90.

What this means

This victory reinforces Peshawar Zalmi’s status as one of the strongest sides in PSL 11, with consistent performances pushing them to the top of the table. For Lahore Qalandars, back-to-back heavy defeats have significantly damaged their net run rate and left them in sixth place, with pressure mounting as the tournament progresses.

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