Iftikhar Ahmed Stars as Zalmi Edge Kingsmen in Thriller

Peshawar Zalmi held their nerve in a tense finish to defeat Hyderabad Kingsmen by four wickets in a last-ball thriller. Iftikhar Ahmed all-round display proved decisive as Zalmi chased down 146 with just one ball to spare to maintain their unbeaten start in PSL 11.

Set 146 to win, Zalmi needed one run off the final delivery. Despite a superb death spell from Hunain Shah, they managed to scramble the decisive single and seal victory.

Iftikhar and Muqeem dismantle Kingsmen

Hyderabad Kingsmen struggled from the outset after losing the toss in the first PSL match of the season in Karachi. Iftikhar Ahmed made an immediate impact, striking in his first over to remove Maaz Sadaqat.

He returned to claim three wickets in a single over, dismissing Saim Ayub, Sharjeel Khan and Usman Khan to leave Kingsmen in deep trouble before the end of the powerplay.

With the innings in disarray, captain Marnus Labuschagne and Kusal Perera attempted a rebuild. Their 82-run partnership stabilised the innings, with Perera leading the effort through a composed 58.

However, Sufiyan Muqeem broke the stand by dismissing Labuschagne for 27 and then removed Perera soon after. Kingsmen’s innings collapsed dramatically, losing their last five wickets for just nine runs in 12 balls to be bowled out for 145.

Muqeem finished with four wickets, while Iftikhar also claimed four for 21 in a match-defining spell.

Zalmi stumble in chase

The chase began positively with Mohammad Haris providing early momentum, while Kusal Mendis added a valuable 27 during the powerplay.

Babar Azam anchored the innings with 43 off 37 balls, ensuring Zalmi remained in control for much of the chase. A 49-run stand between Babar and Mendis appeared to set up a straightforward finish.

However, Hyderabad Kingsmen kept striking at crucial moments. Mendis fell to Saim Ayub, while Michael Bracewell’s 25 off 19 ended with Zalmi still needing 42 runs.

Late collapse sparks drama

The match took a dramatic turn in the final overs. Babar fell after an unconvincing innings, and Farhan Yousaf and Abdul Samad were dismissed within four deliveries.

Hunain Shah then delivered a superb 19th over, leaving Zalmi needing 29 from the final two overs. Mohammad Ali also bowled tightly, increasing the pressure as the equation tightened.

Iftikhar seals the win

With the chase slipping away, Iftikhar Ahmed stepped up once more. He struck a crucial straight six off the third-last ball, shifting momentum back in Zalmi’s favour.

Despite disciplined bowling from Hunain Shah, a slight error in length proved costly, allowing Zalmi to gather the runs required and sneak home on the final ball.

What this means

The victory keeps Peshawar Zalmi unbeaten in PSL 11, reinforcing their strong start to the tournament.

For Hyderabad Kingsmen, the defeat continues a difficult debut campaign, leaving them without a win and under growing pressure as the competition progresses.

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