In a thrilling encounter at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Karachi Kings secured their first victory in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 8, defeating Peshawar Zalmi by a convincing seven-wicket margin. The match witnessed a remarkable batting display from Kieron Pollard, who overshadowed Babar Azam's landmark achievement, while Peshawar Zalmi's batting lineup faltered under pressure.
Chasing a modest target of 155 set by Peshawar Zalmi, Karachi Kings openers James Vince and Sharjeel Khan provided a solid start, putting on a 43-run partnership before Khan departed for 21. Vince continued his steady knock, accumulating 38 runs off 34 balls, while Babar Azam's younger brother, Umar Akmal, chipped in with a quickfire 20 off 13 deliveries.
However, it was the power-hitting of Kieron Pollard that propelled Karachi Kings to victory. The West Indian all-rounder entered the crease with his team needing 73 runs off 48 balls and proceeded to unleash a brutal assault on the Zalmi bowlers. Pollard smashed four towering sixes and four boundaries in his blistering 21-ball 49, taking Karachi Kings home in just 16.5 overs.
Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi, after being put into bat, struggled to build substantial partnerships. Babar Azam, the star batsman, played a lone hand, scoring 72 off 51 balls, including seven boundaries and two sixes. However, he lacked support from his teammates, as the Zalmi innings revolved around his brilliance.
The Karachi Kings bowlers, led by left-arm pacer Mir Hamza, kept the Zalmi batters in check. Hamza claimed three wickets for 28 runs, including the prized scalp of Babar Azam, while Hasan Ali and Mohammad Nawaz picked up two wickets each.
With this victory, Karachi Kings have two points from two games, while Peshawar Zalmi remains winless after two matches. The tournament promises to deliver more exciting contests as the teams vie for a place in the playoffs.
Tags: #PSL8, #KarachiKings, #PeshawarZalmi, #BabarAzam, #KieronPollard
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