PSL 9: Karachi Kings beat Peshawar Zalmi by seven wickets
Cricket
Babar Azam displayed stunning performance with a 72-run knock
LAHORE (Dunya News) – A consistent batting performance from Karachi Kings helped the side beat Peshawar Zalmi by seven wickets in sixth match of the Pakistan Super League season nine (PSL 9) at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Kieron Pollard remained top scorer from Sultans as he played an unbeaten knock of 49 runs that sealed the victory for the team.
Shoaib Malik made 29 while James Vince scored 38 in a bid to post runs on the board.
Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi set a target of 155 runs with skipper Babar Azam smashing 72 runs, giving a strong opening to his side while his opening part went for the duck.
Rovman Povell and Asif Ali made 39 and 23 respectively while no other batter could perform well as Hasan Ali and Mir Hamza produced magical bowling spells.
Peshawar were defeated by Quetta Gladiators, while Karachi had a setback against Multan Sultans. Both the teams will strive for their first victory in the current tournament and the fans are likely to be entertained with an exciting game.
Karachi Kings, led by national team’s skipper Shan Masood, lost their opening game to Mohammad Rizwan's Multan Sultans. Reeza Hendricks led the charge with a 79-run knock and helped Multan to 185.
The Kings succumbed under pressure despite having a formidable batting line up and were bundled out for 130. Old war horse Shoaib Malik's brave half-century helped them salvage some pride.
Peshawar had lost their season opener to Quetta on Sunday. Their bowlers failed to maintain line and length in death overs which helped Quetta post a mammoth 206.
Peshawar were given a spirited start by Saim Ayub and skipper Babar Azam with a 91-run opening stand. They lost momentum middle overs and continued losing wickets and ended 20 runs shy of their target.
Meanwhile, Gaddafi Stadium surface which is batting-friendly, promises an exciting encounter. But it used to help spinners as it dries up.
Probable squads
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
