Peshawar Zalmi edge Hyderabad Kingsmen in last-over thriller in PSL 11

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi defeated Hyderabad Kingsmen by four wickets in a gripping low-scoring encounter of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday.

Chasing a modest target of 146, Zalmi reached the total in the final over despite losing six wickets, with skipper Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis providing stability after an early setback.

Zalmi’s innings began shakily as Mohammad Haris fell early, but a 49-run partnership between Babar and Mendis steadied the chase. Mendis scored 27 before being dismissed, while Babar anchored the innings with 43 off 37 balls.

Later, Michael Bracewell contributed 25, but regular wickets kept the contest alive. With 14 runs required in the final over, Iftikhar Ahmed held his nerve, remaining unbeaten on 15, alongside Aamer Jamal, to guide Zalmi to victory.

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Iftikhar was named Player of the Match for his all-round brilliance, having earlier taken four wickets to dismantle the opposition.

Batting first, Hyderabad Kingsmen were bowled out for 145 in 18.2 overs despite a fighting knock from Kusal Perera, who scored 58 off 35 balls.

Early breakthroughs by Iftikhar reduced Hyderabad to 33-3, while Sufiyan Muqeem played a crucial role later, claiming four wickets to restrict the total.

A 50-run partnership between Marnus Labuschagne and Perera helped Hyderabad recover, but regular wickets in the death overs halted their momentum.

Zalmi bowlers Iftikhar and Sufiyan shared eight wickets between them, ensuring the target remained within reach in a match that went down to the final over.