Peshawar Zalmi claimed their second victory in PSL 11 after a nail-biting encounter against the winless Hyderabad Kingsmen at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. Chasing 146, Peshawar Zalmi successfully crossed the finish line in the final over despite experiencing a series of wickets falling at regular intervals in the latter stages of their innings. The chase was spearheaded by Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis, with Iftikhar Ahmed providing the decisive blow with an unbeaten cameo. Peshawar Zalmi’s momentum was initially disrupted when Mohammad Haris departed early, having scored 11 off just six deliveries, but Babar and Mendis steadied the ship with a valuable partnership that helped keep the chase on track. Mendis scored 27 off 23 deliveries before being dismissed by Saim Ayub, who provided Hyderabad with a crucial breakthrough. Michael Bracewell then chipped in with 25 off 19 balls, forming another handy partnership with Babar to maintain Peshawar Zalmi’s control. Babar looked poised for a match-winning knock before falling for 43 off 37 balls, having struck six fours. The game intensified in the latter stages as Hyderabad picked up quick wickets. Farhan Yousaf contributed 15, while Abdul Samad was dismissed cheaply, leaving Peshawar Zalmi requiring a composed finish. With 14 required in the final over, Iftikhar remained calm and scored an unbeaten 15 off 10 balls, while Aamer Jamal also played his part in securing the win with four wickets to spare. Earlier, Hyderabad Kingsmen were bowled out for 145 in 18.2 overs after failing to capitalise on a few promising partnerships. They made a brisk start through Maaz Sadaqat and Saim Ayub, but the innings quickly unravelled once Iftikhar Ahmed struck. The all-rounder removed Sadaqat for 17, then sent back Saim for 14 and Usman Khan for a duck to leave Hyderabad in trouble early. He added another wicket soon after by dismissing Sharjeel Khan, putting Peshawar Zalmi firmly in the driver’s seat. Hyderabad recovered through Marnus Labuschagne and Kusal Perera, who stitched together a valuable stand to revive the innings. Labuschagne made 27, while Perera top-scored with 58 off 35 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes. Just when Hyderabad seemed poised for a stronger finish, Sufiyan Muqeem tore through the lower order. The left-arm spinner removed Labuschagne, then returned later to dismiss Irfan Khan Niazi, Perera, and Maheesh Theekshana in a decisive spell. Iftikhar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem were the standout performers with the ball for Peshawar Zalmi, taking four wickets each. Iftikhar finished with 4/21, while Sufiyan returned 4/32 as Hyderabad were kept below the 150-run mark.
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