PSL 2018: Karachi Kings beat Peshawar Zalmi in low-scoring tie

Karachi Kings reached Peshawar Zalmi’s target with just 2 balls to spare.

Karachi Kings have displaced Multan Sultans on top of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2018 points table after beating Peshawar Zalmi on Sunday evening. In a low-scoring tie, it was Kings’ all-round effort that saw them prevail over Dwayne Smith-inspired Zalmi by 5 wickets.

Chasing 132 to win, Karachi played tactical cricket. Their batsmen constructed regular partnerships all though the innings. Joe Denly and Babar Azam led their reply. Both added 41 runs for the second wicket, before 19-year-old Ibtisam Sheikh snapped Azam for 28. He picked his second wicket getting rid of Colin Ingram.

Ravi Bopara along with Mohammad Rizwan managed to take Kings’ near 130-run mark. Rizwan departed in the final over for 19 as Kings needed more 4 to win. Bopara clinched it for Karachi, smacking Mohammad Asghar for a six. He remained not out on 17.

Batting first, Peshawar Zalmi innings was all about Smith. Aamer along with Shahid Afridi pinned down Zalmi’s hope of a big score. It was Smith, who held up one end and kept on ticking the scoreboard. He scored a 51-ball 71 inclusive of 4 fours and 5 sixes. Only Kamran Akmal and Tamim Iqbal went past double digit score.

Smith remained not out as Zalmi’s innings folded on 131.

Brief Scores:

Peshawar Zalmi 131 for 9 (Dwayne Smith 71, Kamran Akmal 14; Mohammad Aamer 2 for 6)

Karachi Kings 134 for 5 in 19.4 overs (Joe Denly 29, Babar Azam 28; Ibtisam Sheikh 2 for 25) by 5 wickets.