News by “Sana Ullah“
Lahore: Karachi Kings’ cohesive bowling effort, followed by an electrifying half-century from Kieron Pollard, propelled them to a resounding seven-wicket win over Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
At the outset, Karachi Kings opted to bowl and struck early with veteran Shoaib Malik dismissing Saim Ayub on the very first ball.
Although Peshawar Zalmi’s captain Babar Azam kept the scoreboard ticking, he lacked support from the other end, resulting in his side faltering to 40-3 within the power play.
Rovman Powell then partnered with the skipper, crafting a 68-run stand from 46 deliveries to stabilize their innings after the initial setback.
Powell played the aggressor’s role with a quick-fire 39 off 25 balls, comprising three boundaries and two sixes, while Azam anchored the innings.
Powell’s entertaining innings concluded when he attempted a reverse hit off Mohammad Nawaz, only to top-edge the ball into the hands of Mir Hamza at short third man.
Asif Ali joined Azam and contributed 23 runs from 16 balls before being caught by Kieron Pollard at long-on off Daniel Sams.
Peshawar Zalmi suffered a collapse under the pressure of Karachi Kings’ superb bowling, eventually getting bowled out for a modest 154 despite reaching 136-5 at one stage.
Azam led the Zalmi batting effort with a resilient 72 off 51 deliveries, featuring seven boundaries and one six.
For Karachi Kings, Hamza and Hasan Ali excelled with three wickets each, while Sams chipped in with two crucial wickets.
