In a commanding performance at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium, Peshawar Zalmi secured a convincing seven-wicket win over the home side Lahore Qalandars, thanks to a destructive bowling spell from Alzarri Joseph and unbeaten half-centuries from captain Babar Azam and Hussain Talat.
Zalmi bowled out the Qalandars for a modest 129 and chased down the target with ease, finishing at 133 for 3 in just 16.4 overs, securing a vital net run rate boost and climbing above Qalandars in the league standings.
Joseph and Wood Rip Through Qalandars’ Batting Line-Up
Peshawar Zalmi’s decision to bowl first paid off handsomely. Alzarri Joseph struck early with a fiery spell, dismantling the Qalandars’ top and middle order. He picked up 3 wickets for just 15 runs, supported brilliantly by Luke Wood (2 for 25) and Hussain Talat (2 for 18).
Lahore Qalandars were left reeling at 21 for 4 within the powerplay, their batting order falling like dominoes. Fakhar Zaman’s early boundaries were the only bright spark before a quick succession of dismissals. Abdullah Shafique, Asif Ali, and Daryl Mitchell failed to deliver, while Sam Billings was undone by an edge to slip off rising star Ali Raza.
Raza’s Resistance Guides Qalandars to a Respectable Total
Sikandar Raza stood tall on his birthday, playing a composed innings of 52 runs off 37 balls. Displaying resilience, he farmed the strike and intelligently targeted the weaker bowlers, especially in the death overs. His calculated attack on Mitchell Owen in the 17th over—where he collected 17 runs—helped Qalandars push past the 120-run mark.
However, an exceptional final spell from Joseph and tight bowling from Ali Raza ensured Qalandars couldn’t build any late momentum. Raza’s dismissal in the final over marked the end of their innings, as Lahore were bowled out with two balls to spare.
Zalmi Overcome Early Wobble to Cruise to Victory
Despite losing early wickets, Zalmi never looked in real trouble during the chase. Lahore’s pace duo, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, briefly reignited home crowd hopes by dismissing Saim Ayub and Tom Kohler-Cadmore within the first nine balls. Haris’s initial burst was electric, and Shaheen’s 2 for 22 showed why he remains a threat with the new ball.
However, the experienced Babar Azam and the composed Hussain Talat weathered the storm. Their unbroken 93-run partnership turned the game into a one-sided affair. With no scoreboard pressure, both batters took their time to settle and then steadily built momentum.
Babar Azam Anchors Yet Another Chase with Masterclass
Babar Azam once again proved why he’s one of the best chasers in modern T20 cricket. His 56* off 39 balls was a masterclass in timing, placement, and temperament. He was tested by Rauf’s bounce and Shaheen’s swing early on but held firm. A top-edged six and a successful DRS review marked a brief scare, but Babar quickly regained control with elegant strokes, including a trademark drive past third man.
He brought up his fifty with a graceful flick off Asif Afridi, maintaining composure throughout and rotating strike expertly to keep pressure at bay.
Hussain Talat’s Composed Knock Complements Babar Perfectly
Talat may not be a big hitter, but his calculated approach perfectly complemented Babar’s style. With a calm demeanor and solid shot selection, he capitalized on gaps and punished loose deliveries. He finished unbeaten on 51, sealing the win with consecutive boundaries off a deflated Haris Rauf.
Talat’s contribution was crucial in turning the chase into a cruise, showcasing the depth and stability in Zalmi’s batting line-up. His innings also underlined the value of temperament and adaptability in T20 cricket.
Zalmi Rise in Standings, Qalandars Left to Regroup
With this dominant win, Peshawar Zalmi not only gained two points but also improved their net run rate significantly, leapfrogging the Qalandars on the points table. Their bowlers delivered under pressure, and their top order showed resilience and quality—traits that could define the rest of their campaign.
For Lahore Qalandars, it was a disappointing first home outing of the season. Despite a full house and early promise, their fragile batting and lack of intensity in the middle overs cost them dearly. They’ll need to revisit their strategies and inject fresh energy if they hope to bounce back.
Conclusion: Zalmi’s Momentum Could Be a Game-Changer
With this performance, Peshawar Zalmi have sent a strong message to the rest of the league. Babar Azam’s leadership, coupled with the firepower of their bowling unit and the composure in their batting, makes them a team to watch closely as the tournament progresses.
On the other hand, Lahore Qalandars must address their top-order vulnerability and find ways to better support their bowling attack. If not, their season could spiral quickly.
