The Pakistan Super League (PSL) match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings on February 26th, 2024 was an exciting and close contest that saw Peshawar Zalmi Defeats Karachi Kings by just 3 runs. Playing at the National Stadium in Karachi, this was a must-win game for both sides as they looked to improve their position on the points table. In this post we talk about Peshawar Zalmi Defeats Karachi Kings.
Karachi Kings Batting Effort
Karachi Kings won the toss and chose to field first, looking to restrict Peshawar Zalmi to a low total. However, Zalmi got off to a solid start through openers Kamran Akmal and Tom Kohler-Cadmore. The duo added 54 runs before Akmal was dismissed for 21. Kohler-Cadmore anchored the innings and scored a brilliant 91 off just 55 balls, hitting 9 fours and 5 sixes along the way.
Some late order hitting from Darren Sammy and Wahab Riaz helped Zalmi post a competitive 174/7 in their 20 overs. Aamer Yamin was the pick of the Kings bowlers, taking 3/26 in his 4 overs. For Zalmi, it was the start they wanted after some inconsistent performances in earlier games.
In response, Kings also got a good start as Babar Azam looked in fine touch. He scored a quickfire 42 off 30 balls before being caught behind off the bowling of Hasan Ali. Sharjeel Khan struggled to get going at the other end but captain Imad Wasim kept the scoreboard ticking.
Just when it seemed Kings were coasting in the chase, Peshawar struck back by taking 3 quick wickets. Umaid Asif removed the set Imad Wasim for 43 while Shahid Afridi bowled a tight spell, conceding just 23 runs in his 4 overs. Suddenly the required run rate started creeping up for Kings.
Down to the Wire Finish
With 54 needed off the last 5 overs, Kings still had a chance if they could keep wickets in hand. However, an excellent 19th over from Wahab Riaz where he conceded just 6 runs tilted the match heavily in Peshawar’s favor.
Going into the last over, Kings needed an impossible 48 runs with just 2 wickets in hand. Kieron Pollard tried his best, scoring 18 off the first 5 balls from Hasan Ali. But needing 30 off the last ball, Ali bowled a superb delivery beating Pollard all ends up to seal a thrilling 3 run win.
Man of the Match Performance
Tom Kohler-Cadmore was declared Man of the Match for his splendid 91 that set up Peshawar’s total. He batted aggressively right from the start, taking a liking to the Kings bowling attack. His strokeplay square of the wicket was particularly impressive as he repeatedly found or cleared the boundary.
Kohler-Cadmore now has 244 runs in PSL 2024 at a strike rate of 144. This was his third 50+ score and undoubtedly his best innings so far. If he can continue this form, it will boost Peshawar’s chances of making the playoffs.
Speaking after the match, Kohler-Cadmore said: “Really happy with my performance today. The plan was to attack the bowling upfront and put pressure back on the Karachi bowlers. We knew this was a must-win game so I’m glad I could contribute to the team’s win.”
Impact on PSL Points Table
This win takes Peshawar Zalmi to third position on the points table ahead of Karachi Kings. They now have 6 points from 5 games with a net run rate of +0.129. Meanwhile, Karachi stays fourth with 4 points at a net run rate of -0.225.
The result opens up the race for playoff spots. Islamabad United and Multan Sultans occupy the top two positions currently while four teams are vying for the remaining two spots. As the league enters its second half, every match will be like a virtual knockout.
Peshawar will be buoyed by this performance as they were struggling after losing 3 games in a row earlier. Their next match is against table-toppers Islamabad United which will be another uphill task. But the team will take a lot of confidence after defending 174 successfully against the likes of Pollard and Imad Wasim.
For Karachi Kings, their bowling remains a worry, especially at the death. Giving away 174 was at least 20 runs above par on that pitch. They will need to regroup quickly with games against Quetta Gladiators and Multan Sultans coming up next.
Conclusion
In summary, this PSL match saw Peshawar Zalmi get back to winning ways with a close 3 run victory over Karachi Kings. An attacking 91 by Tom Kohler-Cadmore set up Peshawar’s total of 174/7. In response, Kings fell just short despite Babar Azam’s 42 and 43 by Imad Wasim. Wahab Riaz’s excellent 19th over followed by Hasan Ali defending 30 off the last over sealed a thrilling win for Peshawar Zalmi. The result opens up the race for playoff spots with at least 4 teams battling for the 2 remaining spots. I hope this Peshawar Zalmi Defeats Karachi Kings post helps you.
