Peshawar Zalmi Clinches 8 Runs Victory Against Lahore Qalandars

Peshawar Zalmi beat Lahore Qalandars by eight runs at the Gaddafi Stadium in the ninth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Despite Rassie van der Dussen’s remarkable century, Lahore Qalandars fell short, continuing their winless streak with a fifth consecutive defeat. Conversely, Zalmi celebrated their second consecutive victory, with van der Dussen’s unbeaten 105 off 52 balls being a standout performance in a challenging chase of 212 runs.

Van der Dussen’s effort, characterized by resilience and a high strike rate of 200, featured seven fours and five sixes. Despite his valiant innings and contributions from Shai Hope (29) and Ahsan Bhatti (20), the collective efforts were insufficient to secure a win for Lahore. The final overs saw Paul Walter effectively curtail the chase, with Jahandad Khan adding a brief 13 runs to the effort.

Naveen-ul-Haq’s bowling, capturing two wickets, alongside Walter, Luke Wood, and Salman Irshad, who each claimed one, played a crucial role in Zalmi’s defence.

Zalmi’s batting earlier set a formidable total, driven by a strong opening partnership between Babar Azam and Ayub. This pair amassed 136 runs, laying the groundwork for Zalmi’s substantial score. Azam, nearing a half-century, was dismissed by Shaheen Shah Afridi for 48 runs, which included five boundaries.

Ayub, with the highest score for Zalmi of 88 runs off 55 balls, and Rovman Powell, who added a swift 46 off 20 balls, intensified Zalmi’s attack. Their partnership further solidified Zalmi’s position, with Powell’s innings ending just before the close. Mohammad Haris also contributed a quick 12 runs, remaining not out.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, leading the Qalandars’ bowling with 3/33, and Jahandad Khan, who took one wicket, faced a formidable Zalmi batting lineup but ultimately could not prevent their team’s defeat.