Peshawar Zalmi secured a thrilling five-wicket victory against Rawalpindiz in a high-scoring Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 encounter held at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday. Despite a remarkable innings from Yasir Khan, Zalmi’s collective batting effort ensured they chased down a challenging target of 215 with five balls remaining.
The chase began strongly with an opening partnership of 78 runs between Babar Azam and Mohammad Haris, who provided rapid runs at the top of the order. Babar contributed a fluent 39 runs off 28 balls before being dismissed by Asif Afridi, while Haris scored 47 off 28 deliveries before falling to Ammad Butt. At the halfway point, Zalmi stood at 96 for 2.
Kusal Mendis then accelerated the innings with a quick 31 runs from 17 balls. However, the defining moment came with a powerful partnership between Abdul Samad and Michael Bracewell. Needing 85 runs from 35 balls, the pair launched a fierce counterattack, amassing 64 runs in just 23 deliveries. Samad’s explosive 33 off 11 balls, featuring several towering sixes, shifted the momentum before he was dismissed by Mohammad Amir. Bracewell continued the assault and, along with Aamir Jamal, steered Zalmi to victory. Jamal remained unbeaten on 17 runs from five balls, while Bracewell finished with a crucial 35 not out off 17 deliveries.
Earlier, Rawalpindiz posted a formidable total of 214 for 4 after opting to bat first. Their innings was anchored by a commanding opening stand between Yasir Khan and captain Mohammad Rizwan. Yasir was the standout performer with a scintillating 83 runs from 46 balls, including seven fours and six sixes. Rizwan provided steady support with a composed 41 off 32 balls. Their 125-run partnership laid a strong foundation before Ali Raza broke through, dismissing both set batsmen in consecutive overs.
Late contributions from Kamran Ghulam (37 off 20), Daryl Mitchell (23 off 13), and Sam Billings (18 not out off 8) helped Rawalpindiz reach their imposing total, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
