Weather Delays, But Lahore Delivers
In a match shortened by rain but high on intensity, Lahore Qalandars defeated Peshawar Zalmi by 26 runs in the 29th fixture of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2025, held at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Reduced to just 13 overs per side due to heavy downpour earlier in the day, the game demanded urgency — and Lahore answered the call.
Qalandars Set the Tone
Batting first, Fakhar Zaman fired a commanding 60 off 36 balls, anchoring Lahore to a competitive 149 for 8. Despite wickets falling at regular intervals, the Qalandars kept the scoreboard ticking with aggressive stroke play.
Contributions from Sikandar Raza and Shai Hope added vital runs in the death overs, frustrating Zalmi’s bowling attack.
Zalmi Falter in the Chase
In response, Peshawar Zalmi never quite settled. Daniel Sams gave a brief spark with 32 off 14, but no other batter managed to take control of the chase. Skipper Babar Azam fell cheaply, and with mounting pressure, Zalmi could only manage 123 for 8 in their 13 overs.
The Qalandars’ bowlers, especially Salman Mirza, kept the Zalmi batting lineup under control with sharp pace and well-placed yorkers. He finished with 3 wickets and was rightly named Player of the Match.
Points Table Impact
This win breathes new life into Lahore Qalandars’ campaign, moving them closer to a playoff berth. Peshawar Zalmi, on the other hand, now find themselves in a must-win scenario heading into their final fixture.
Media Hyde Verdict:
Lahore showed grit and urgency when it mattered most. In a format where momentum shifts quickly, their ability to stay composed — even in shortened games — may prove crucial in the race to the playoffs.
