News by “Sana Ullah”
The addition of Naveen-ul-Haq is poised to bolster the pace attack of Peshawar Zalmi, who currently find themselves at the bottom of the points table after suffering two losses in as many games.
In their opening match of PSL 9 against Quetta Gladiators, they conceded a hefty 206 runs and fell short in the chase, losing by 16 runs.
In the subsequent match, they were dismissed for a mere 154 against Karachi Kings, who comfortably chased down the target with 19 balls to spare.
Despite the setback, Peshawar Zalmi began their defense well, with Luke Wood dismissing Karachi Kings’ captain Shan Masood with just 20 runs on the board.
Mohammad Akhlaq provided a brief spark with a quickfire knock of 24 from 13 deliveries, including three boundaries and two sixes, before falling victim to Wood. With the score at 40-2, Shoaib Malik and James Vince steadied the innings with a crucial 51-run partnership off 46 balls, steering the Kings back on course.
Malik contributed a run-a-ball 29 before his ambitious lofted shot off Waqar Salamkheil resulted in a stumping.
Kieron Pollard then joined Vince and played a pivotal role in sealing the victory for Karachi Kings with a scintillating cameo of 49 runs from just 21 balls, including a breathtaking onslaught of 27 runs in one over from Salamkheil.
Pollard’s explosive innings, comprising eight boundaries and four sixes, guided his team to triumph, while Vince chipped in with 38 runs off 30 deliveries, featuring three boundaries and one six.
Peshawar Zalmi’s next challenge awaits them against table-toppers Multan Sultans on February 23 at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
