LAHORE – Karachi Kings produced a dominant all-round performance to seal a 23-run victory over Peshawar Zalmi, climbing to second place on the points table with 12 points, just behind leaders Quetta Gladiators in a high-scoring encounter of PSL 10 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday night.
Led by an explosive innings from skipper David Warner, Karachi Kings posted a massive 237-4, one of the highest totals of the season, and then held their nerve with the ball despite a gallant chase spearheaded by Babar Azam. Batting first, Karachi Kings were dealt an early blow when Ben McDermott fell for a golden duck off Luke Wood. But from there on, it was a Warner-Vince show.
The duo stitched together a scintillating 162-run partnership off just 87 balls, dismantling Zalmi’s bowling attack with an array of elegant drives and powerful pulls. David Warner, leading from the front, smashed 86 off 50 balls, hitting 11 fours and 2 sixes, while James Vince matched him stroke-for-stroke with a fluent 72 off 42, laced with 11 boundaries.
The late carnage came courtesy of Khushdil Shah and Mohammad Nabi, who plundered an unbeaten 43 off 15 and 26 off 10 respectively, pushing Karachi to an imposing total. Zalmi’s bowlers had a forgettable outing as Ahmed Daniyal and Ali Raza cracked 66 and 60 runs respectively, while Wood stood out with a tidy 2 for 19 in his four overs.
In reply, Zalmi got off to a brisk start with Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris adding quick runs. After Haris’ early dismissal, Babar Azam took control, playing a captain’s knock. He dazzled with his classical strokeplay, notching up 94 off just 49 deliveries, including 10 fours and 4 sixes.
However, despite Babar’s brilliance and useful contributions from Saim (47) and Kohler-Cadmore (20), the required run rate kept climbing. Wickets at crucial intervals derailed their momentum, and Zalmi could only muster 214/5 in their 20 overs.
Abbas Afridi was the standout bowler for Karachi, picking up 2 wickets despite some punishment, while Hasan Ali and Mir Hamza chipped in with one each. The Kings’ fielding effort, including a sharp run out of Babar, proved decisive in sealing the victory.
Scores in Brief
KARACHI KINGS 237/4 in 20 overs (David Warner 86, James Vince 72, Khushdil Shah 43*; Luke Wood 2/19) beat PESHAWAR ZALMI 214/5 in 20 overs (Babar Azam 94, Saim Ayub 47; Abbas Afridi 2/48, Hasan Ali 1/30) by 23 runs.
