Kusal Mendis guided Peshawar Zalmi to a commanding 76-run victory over Lahore Qalandars in the 19th match of the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League at the National Stadium, Karachi, on Saturday.
Zalmi, batting first after Lahore elected to field, posted a competitive total of 173 for seven in their allotted 20 overs. Mendis led the charge with a composed 74 off 48 balls, striking five fours and four sixes. He found support from captain Babar Azam, who made 43, as the pair added a crucial 109-run stand for the second wicket.
Late contributions from Michael Bracewell, who scored 21 off 10 deliveries, helped Zalmi maintain momentum towards the close of the innings. Shaheen Shah Afridi was the pick of the bowlers for Lahore, claiming three wickets for 22 runs.
In reply, Lahore Qalandars faltered early and failed to recover from regular setbacks. Fakhar Zaman top-scored with 21, while Abdullah Shafique also made 21, but the batting line-up struggled against disciplined bowling.
Michael Bracewell and Sufiyan Muqeem each took three wickets, while Nahid Rana claimed two, as Lahore were dismissed for 97 in 17 overs.
Zalmi secured a comprehensive victory, with Mendis named player of the match for his decisive innings.
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