Chasing a target of 174, Lahore were bowled out for 97 in 16.5 overs after a top-order collapse and a consistent bowling attack from Zalmi
KARACHI: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-April 11th, 2026) Peshawar Zalmi produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat defending champions Lahore Qalandars by 76 runs in HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday, registering their fourth win of the season.
Chasing a target of 174, Lahore were bowled out for 97 in 16.5 overs after a top-order collapse and a consistent bowling attack from Zalmi.
Lahore’s innings got off to a shaky start when Shoriful islam dismissed opener Mohammad Naeem for just one run early in the innings. Although Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique attempted to stabilise the chase with a short partnership, momentum soon shifted back to Zalmi.
Shafique scored 21 before falling to Nahid Rana, while Fakhar Zaman was dismissed for 21 by Michael Bracewell, leaving Lahore under early pressure.
The middle order failed to recover as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. Haseebullah managed only three runs, while Asif Ali was dismissed without scoring. Sikandar Raza contributed 14 before becoming Bracewell’s third victim.
Shaheen Afridi’s side kept losing wickets, with Shaheen himself falling for five, followed by further breakthroughs from Sufiyan Muqeem and Nahid Rana. Lahore’s resistance ended as they were bundled out well short of the target, with Michael Bracewell and Sufiyan Muqeem taking three wickets each, while Rana claimed two.
Earlier, Zalmi posted 173/7 after batting first. Openers Mohammad Haris and Babar Azam gave their side a strong start with fluent stroke play. Haris scored 18 before being dismissed by Shaheen Afridi.
Babar Azam anchored the innings with a composed 43 off 40 balls, forming a crucial 109-run partnership with Kusal Mendis. Mendis played a key role, scoring a fluent 74 off 48 deliveries, hitting five fours and four sixes.
Zalmi maintained control through the middle overs, though wickets fell towards the end. Michael Bracewell added a quick 21 before Shaheen Afridi struck twice in the final overs to restrict Zalmi’s total.
In reply, Lahore’s batting lineup never recovered from early setbacks and continued to crumble under pressure from Zalmi’s disciplined bowling attack.
Shaheen Afridi led the bowling for Lahore with 3/22, while Mustafizur Rahman picked up two wickets. However, their efforts were not enough to prevent a comprehensive defeat.
Playing XIs:
Lahore Qalandars XI: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah Khan (wk), Asif Ali, Sikandar Raza, Usama Mir, Shaheen Shah Afridi (capt), Dunith Wellalage, Mustafizur Rahman, Ubaid Shah
Peshawar Zalmi XI: Babar Azam (capt), Mohammad Haris (wk), Kusal Mendis, Farhan Yousaf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Michael Bracewell, Abdul Samad, Aamer Jamal, Sufiyan Muqeem, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana
