Peshawar Zalmi defeated Lahore Qalandars in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL), handing them their fifth consecutive defeat. Despite Rassie van der Dussen’s brilliant century for Lahore, they fell short by 8 runs while chasing 212. Peshawar moved to 4th place on the points table as a result of the win.
Van der Dussen’s hundred kept Lahore in the game, but with little support from the other end, Peshawar maintained their lead throughout. Paul Walter of Peshawar only conceded nine runs off the last over, ensuring Lahore remained winless in this edition of the PSL.
Peshawar’s Babar Azam and Saim Ayub laid the foundation for a big total with a 136-run opening partnership. Ayub went on to score 88 off 55 balls, earning him the player of the match award. Lahore’s captain Shaheen Shah Afridi was the standout bowler for his team, taking three wickets for 33 runs.
Lahore made some questionable decisions throughout the game, including sending in Ahsan Hafeez and Jahandad Khan ahead of experienced power hitters Sikandar Raza and Carlos Brathwaite. This decision ultimately proved costly as Raza and Brathwaite faced an insurmountable target.
Overall, Peshawar’s strong batting performance and Lahore’s lapses in strategy led to Peshawar’s victory in the match.