Lahore Qalandars kept their play-off hopes alive with a hard-fought victory over Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday.
Set a challenging target of 200, Qalandars reached 200 for four in 19.3 overs, with Fakhar Zaman and Daniel Sams guiding the chase with composed unbeaten knocks.
Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi posted 199 for four in their allotted 20 overs. Babar Azam led the innings with 59 from 45 balls, while Michael Bracewell struck an aggressive 83 off 45 deliveries, featuring eight fours and six sixes. Iftikhar Ahmed provided late impetus with an unbeaten 27.
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf claimed two wickets apiece but proved expensive at times as Zalmi accelerated in the latter stages.
In reply, Lahore Qalandars made a brisk start, reaching 64 for one in the powerplay. Fakhar Zaman anchored the innings with a steady 58 not out, while Abdullah Shafique contributed a quick 25 from 11 balls. Charith Asalanka added 33 to maintain the momentum.
Sikandar Raza’s brisk 29 kept the required rate in check before Daniel Sams finished the match in emphatic fashion, striking 35 not out from 15 balls.
Qalandars achieved the target with three balls to spare, keeping their campaign alive, while Zalmi were left to rue missed opportunities in the field.
The result also confirmed Karachi Kings’ elimination from the tournament.
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