The 15th match of the Pakistan Super League 11 delivered a true T20 spectacle as Peshawar Zalmi defeated Hyderabad Kingsmen in a thrilling last-ball finish at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi.
In what turned out to be a low-scoring contest full of twists and turns, Zalmi chased down the target on the final delivery, winning by 4 wickets and leaving Hyderabad still searching for their first win of the season.
First Innings Hyderabad’s Collapse After Solid Start
Hyderabad Kingsmen started positively with their top order showing intent in the powerplay. At one stage, they looked set for a competitive total, especially with a steady partnership building in the middle overs.
However, the turning point came when Iftikhar Ahmed produced a sensational spell, picking up 4 wickets, including multiple strikes in a single over. This triggered a dramatic collapse as Hyderabad lost wickets in clusters.
Adding to the damage, Sufiyan Muqeem also grabbed 4 wickets, completely dismantling the lower order. From a stable position around 100+, Hyderabad were bowled out for just 145 in 18.2 overs, wasting a promising start.
Second Innings Zalmi’s Chase Full of Drama
Chasing 146, Peshawar Zalmi started confidently with a solid powerplay. The team looked in complete control, especially with Babar Azam anchoring the innings.
At one stage, Zalmi were cruising at 100+ with only 2 wickets down, and the match seemed one-sided. But Hyderabad made a stunning comeback by picking up quick wickets in the middle overs, putting Zalmi under serious pressure.
The game went down to the final over, where nerves were tested. With just a few runs required, Iftikhar Ahmed played a crucial role in the final over, smashing a boundary and a six to shift the momentum in Zalmi’s favor. With the scores level on the last ball, Aamer Jamal calmly took a single to seal a dramatic victory for Peshawar Zalmi.
Star Performances & Key Moments
- Iftikhar Ahmed – Match-winning all-round performance (4 wickets + finishing runs)
- Sufiyan Muqeem – 4 wickets, destroyed Hyderabad’s batting
- Babar Azam – Crucial knock in the chase under pressure
This match also highlighted Hyderabad’s recurring issue strong starts but inability to finish innings, both with bat and ball.
Match Summary
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Hyderabad Kingsmen | 145/10 (18.2 overs) |
| Peshawar Zalmi | 146/6 (20 overs) |
| Result | Peshawar Zalmi won by 4 wickets |
| Player of the Match | Iftikhar Ahmed |
Points Table After the Match
| Position | Team | Matches | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Multan Sultans | 5 | 8 |
| 2 | Karachi Kings | 3 | 6 |
| 3 | Islamabad United | 4 | 5 |
| 4 | Peshawar Zalmi | 4 | 5 |
| 5 | Lahore Qalandars | 3 | 4 |
| 6 | Quetta Gladiators | 4 | 2 |
| 7 | Hyderabad Kingsmen | 4 | 0 |
| 8 | Rawalpindiz | 4 | 0 |
Conclusion
This match was a perfect example of why T20 cricket is so unpredictable. From Hyderabad’s collapse to Zalmi’s near choke in the chase, the game had everything drama, pressure, and a last-ball finish.
Peshawar Zalmi will take massive confidence from this win, while Hyderabad Kingsmen will need to regroup quickly if they want to stay alive in PSL 11.
