Iftikhar’s all-round display guides Zalmi to second win

By Alam Zeb Safi
KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi held their nerve in a tense last-over finish to defeat Hyderabad Kingsmen by four wickets with no balls to spare in their HBL PSL 11 clash at the National Stadium on Wednesday.
Chasing a modest target of 146, Zalmi reached 146-6 in exactly 20 overs, anchored by a composed 43 from captain Babar Azam, while late contributions from Iftikhar Ahmed and Aamer Jamal ensured the chase was completed off the final delivery.
The result marked Zalmi’s second win of the campaign, while Kingsmen’s struggle continued with a fourth consecutive defeat.
After being sent in to bat, Hyderabad’s innings was derailed early by a devastating spell from Iftikhar Ahmed, who claimed four wickets inside the powerplay. The Kingsmen slumped to 34-4 within five overs, with Maaz Sadaqat (17 off 8, 3 fours) providing brief momentum through an aggressive start featuring three boundaries.
Iftikhar’s incisive spell removed Sadaqat, Saim Ayub (14, 2 fours), Sharjeel Khan and wicketkeeper Usman Khan in quick succession, leaving the innings in tatters.
A recovery came through a 82-run partnership between Kusal Perera and skipper Marnus Labuschagne. Labuschagne contributed 27 (3 fours), rotating strike effectively, while Perera counterattacked with a fluent 58 off 35 balls, striking five fours and two sixes to lift the scoring rate.
However, just as Hyderabad looked set for a strong finish, left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem turned the game with a four-wicket haul, including the crucial dismissal of Perera. Kingsmen lost five wickets for 21 runs and were bowled out for 145 in 18.2 overs.
Zalmi’s reply began briskly, with Mohammad Haris striking a six and a four in his 11 off 6 balls. After his early dismissal, Babar Azam steadied the innings with a measured knock, hitting six boundaries in his 43 off 37 balls.
He shared a key 49-run stand with Kusal Mendis (27 off 23, 1 four, 2 sixes), who provided impetus through clean hitting. Later, a 38-run partnership between Mendis and Michael Bracewell (25 off 19, 2 fours, 1 six) kept Zalmi ahead of the required rate.
The innings, however, wobbled after Babar’s dismissal in the 15th over, with Kingsmen clawing back through disciplined bowling. Zalmi slipped from 116 for 3 to 125 for 6, with Saim Ayub (2 for 19) and Hunain Shah applying pressure.
Needing 21 off the final four overs, Iftikhar Ahmed struck a crucial six and a four in his unbeaten 15 off 10 balls, while Jamal’s calm 6 not out off 10 deliveries helped guide Zalmi home on the last ball in a nervy finish.
For Zalmi, Iftikhar Ahmed (4-21) and Sufiyan Muqeem (4-32) were instrumental in restricting Hyderabad, combining for eight wickets.
For Kingsmen, Saim Ayub (2-19) stood out with the ball while Maheesh Theekshana, Hassan Khan and Mohammad Ali picked up a wicket each but could not defend the total.

Summarised scores
Hyderabad Kingsmen 145 all out (18.2 overs), Kusal Perera 58 (35) – 5×4, 2×6, Marnus Labuschagne 27 (27) – 3×4,
Maaz Sadaqat 17 (8) – 3×4, Iftikhar Ahmed 4-21, Sufiyan Muqeem 4-32

Peshawar Zalmi 146-6 (20 overs)
Babar Azam 43 (37) – 6×4, Kusal Mendis 27 (23) – 1×4, 2×6, Michael Bracewell 25 (19) – 2×4, 1×6, Saim Ayub 2-19

Result: Peshawar Zalmi won by 4 wickets (off the last ball)
Iftikhar Ahmed (Player of the match)