Lahore, April 25, 2026: Peshawar Zalmi produced a commanding batting display, led by half-centuries from Babar Azam and Michael Bracewell, to post a strong total against defending champions Lahore Qalandars in the 38th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
Batting first, Zalmi reached 199/4 in 20 overs, recovering strongly after early setbacks, thanks to a crucial second-wicket partnership between Babar Azam and Bracewell.
The innings began on a shaky note as Qalandars skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early, removing James Vince for 10 in the third over with just 16 runs on the board. Afridi struck again soon after, dismissing Kusal Mendis for seven to leave Zalmi reeling at 36/2.
However, Babar Azam and Bracewell steadied the innings with a composed 94-run stand. Both batters brought up well-paced half-centuries, rebuilding the innings with calculated stroke play.
The partnership was eventually broken in the 16th over by Haris Rauf, who bowled Babar Azam for a well-crafted 59 off 45 balls, including five boundaries and a six.
Bracewell then anchored another vital stand, adding 64 runs for the fourth wicket alongside Iftikhar Ahmed. The New Zealand all-rounder went on to dominate the death overs, finishing as the top scorer with a powerful 83 off 45 deliveries, featuring eight fours and six sixes. Iftikhar contributed a brisk 27 not out from 14 balls to push Zalmi close to the 200-mark.
For Qalandars, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf picked up two wickets each, although Rauf proved expensive, conceding 46 runs in his four overs.
Zalmi’s total sets up a challenging chase for the defending champions in a high-stakes PSL encounter.
