PSL 2024: Zalmi’s nail-biting victory ensures that they finish in the top two of the league.

Peshawar Zalmi scored 147/6 in 20 overs, where as Karachi Kings scored 145/5 in 20 overs.

So, finally Peshawar Zalmi beat Karachi Kings by 2 runs.

Peshawar Zalmi wrapped up their league stage campaign with a nail-biting two-run triumph over Karachi Kings, securing a top-two finish and two opportunities to advance to the PSL 2024 final.

Despite a challenging pitch at the National Stadium, Babar Azam’s half-century and a late onslaught from Rovman Powell propelled Zalmi to a total of 147, a target which proved insurmountable for the Kings, culminating in their disappointing campaign with six defeats and a fifth-place finish.

Opting to set a target at the toss, Zalmi skipper Babar strategically navigated the powerplay, capitalizing on the favorable conditions for batting with 54 runs amassed despite early challenges.

Although facing two LBW decisions reviewed via DRS and overcoming a slow start, opener Saim Ayub’s explosive boundary streak provided crucial momentum.

However, run-scoring became arduous against the spinners post-powerplay, with only 21 runs accrued between overs 6 and 10.

Despite Babar’s brisk innings ending in the 14th over, Powell’s brisk cameo propelled Zalmi towards the 150-mark, bolstering their total.

In response, the Kings’ openers navigated the powerplay without loss but failed to match Zalmi’s scoring rate.

As the spinners tightened their grip, the hosts struggled to accelerate, with Irfan Khan injecting some urgency with a flurry of boundaries.

However, the required tempo eluded veterans Shoaib Malik and Kieron Pollard, leaving the Kings with a daunting task in the final over.

Despite initial resistance from bowler Aamer Jamal, Zalmi’s precise bowling restricted the Kings to a mere two runs, clinching a tense yet pivotal victory for Zalmi.