Peshawar Zalmi secured a narrow four-wicket victory over Hyderabad Kingsmen in a closely contested HBL Pakistan Super League match at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday night, chasing down a modest target in a dramatic finish.
Hyderabad Kingsmen, still searching for their first win of the tournament, were restricted to a below-par total of 145 despite a fighting effort with the bat. Zalmi’s bowling attack, led by Iftikhar Ahmed, applied early pressure and dismantled the top order, leaving the Kingsmen struggling in the powerplay.
Iftikhar delivered a standout performance with the ball, claiming four wickets for 21 runs, all inside the initial overs, putting Hyderabad on the back foot. A middle-order partnership between Marnus Labuschagne and Kusal Perera briefly revived the innings, adding 82 runs, with Perera scoring a fluent half-century. However, sustained pressure from Zalmi’s spinners, particularly Sufiyan Muqeem, ensured Hyderabad were bowled out short of a competitive total.
In response, Zalmi began their chase strongly, with Babar Azam anchoring the innings alongside Kusal Mendis. The pair built a solid platform before a mid-innings slowdown, triggered by disciplined bowling from Hyderabad, brought the contest back into balance.
With the equation tightening in the final overs, Iftikhar Ahmed played a decisive role once again, this time with the bat. His quick 15 off 10 balls, including a boundary and a six under pressure, shifted momentum back in Zalmi’s favour. Aamer Jamal completed the chase as Zalmi reached the target with four wickets in hand.
Despite a late resurgence from Hyderabad’s bowlers, Zalmi held their nerve in the closing stages to secure the win, while the Kingsmen’s search for a first victory in the tournament continued.