Qalandars stay alive as Fakhar downs Zalmi |The Sight Screen

Lahore Qalandars kept their PSL 11 playoff hopes alive with a six-wicket win over Peshawar Zalmi in Match 38 at the Gaddafi Stadium, thanks to an unbeaten half-century from Fakhar Zaman.

Chasing 200 in a must-win contest, Lahore reached the target with three balls to spare, finishing on 200 for 4 after Peshawar had posted 199 for 4 in their 20 overs.

Fakhar anchors a tense chase

Lahore’s pursuit began with an early setback when Mohammad Naeem fell for 10, dismissed by Khurram Shahzad with just 21 on the board. The early wicket made Fakhar Zaman’s role even more critical in stabilising the innings.

He built the chase through successive partnerships, first adding useful runs with Abdullah Shafique (25) and then Charith Asalanka (33). Both contributions ensured Lahore stayed within reach of the target without losing momentum.

The defining phase came when Fakhar found support from Sikandar Raza. Their 41-run stand off just 18 deliveries shifted the pressure back onto Zalmi before Raza was dismissed in unusual fashion, hit-wicket for 29 off 11 balls in the 16th over.

Despite that setback, the momentum remained intact. Daniel Sams produced a decisive unbeaten 35 off 15 balls, ensuring Lahore closed out the chase in the final over. Fakhar carried his bat through the innings, finishing on 58 not out from 47 deliveries, striking four fours and two sixes.

Zalmi recover after early collapse

Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi were put into bat and found themselves in early trouble. Shaheen Shah Afridi removed James Vince (10) in the third over and followed it up by dismissing Kusal Mendis (7), reducing Zalmi to 36 for 2.

From there, Babar Azam and Bracewell rebuilt the innings with a crucial 94-run partnership. Both batters reached half-centuries, with Babar scoring 59 off 45 balls, including five fours and a six.

Haris Rauf eventually broke the stand in the 16th over, bowling Babar and halting Zalmi’s momentum at a key stage.

Bracewell continued to dominate, forming another important stand with Iftikhar Ahmed. Their 64-run partnership for the fourth wicket ensured a strong finish to the innings. Bracewell top-scored with 83 off 45 deliveries, hitting eight fours and six sixes, while Iftikhar remained unbeaten on 27 from 14 balls.

Zalmi closed on 199 for 4, a total that looked competitive but ultimately proved just short.

What this result means

The result significantly boosts Lahore Qalandars’ position in PSL 11, taking them to 10 points and keeping their qualification hopes alive heading into the final round of matches.

However, their progression now depends on the outcome of the clash between Hyderabad Kingsmen and RawalPindiz at the National Bank Stadium, meaning the playoff race remains unresolved despite this crucial win.

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