Peshawar Zalmi cruised to a seven-wicket victory over Lahore Qalandars in a high-stakes Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 clash at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday night, thanks to half-centuries from Babar Azam and Hussain Talat and a sensational pace attack led by Alzarri Joseph.
Zalmi successfully chased the modest 130-run target in just 16.4 overs, sealing their second win of the tournament and moving up the PSL 2025 points table. With both teams now level on four points from five games, Zalmi occupy the fourth spot while Qalandars sit just above them in third.
Alzarri Joseph Sets the Tone with Devastating Spell
The night began with Alzarri Joseph producing a brilliant opening burst that dismantled Lahore Qalandars’ top order. Joseph was named Player of the Match for his 3/15 in four overs, including wickets of star batters Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique.
He was well-supported by fellow quicks Luke Wood (2/25) and Hussain Talat (2/18) as Zalmi reduced Qalandars to 35-5 inside the Powerplay. Ali Raza and Arif Yaqoob chipped in with a wicket apiece as well.
Sikandar Raza Fights Alone for Qalandars
With the scoreboard reading 44-6 after skipper Shaheen Afridi (16 off 10) departed, it was Sikandar Raza who offered Qalandars a fighting chance. The Zimbabwean all-rounder scored a resilient 52 off 37 balls, striking five fours and three sixes, lifting Lahore from 67-7 to a semi-respectable 129 all out in 19.2 overs.
He shared a 36-run partnership with Haris Rauf (10 off 14) and a 25-run stand with Asif Afridi (6 off 11)* to help Qalandars cross the 120 mark.
Babar and Talat Anchor Zalmi’s Chase After Early Jitters
Peshawar Zalmi’s chase got off to a shaky start, with Shaheen Afridi removing Saim Ayub and Tom Kohler-Cadmore in the first two overs, reducing Zalmi to 11/2.
Enter Mohammad Haris, who counterattacked with a quickfire 20 off 16 balls, including a four and two sixes. Though he perished at the end of the fifth over, he shifted the momentum back in Zalmi’s favor.
From there on, it was a masterclass in composure and rotation of strike by Babar Azam (56 off 42)* and *Hussain Talat (51 off 37)**. The duo added an unbeaten 83-run partnership, steering Zalmi home with 20 balls to spare. Both batters reached their fifties in 37 deliveries, displaying elegance, intent, and maturity under pressure.
Match Summary:
-
Lahore Qalandars: 129 all out in 19.2 overs
-
Sikandar Raza 52 (37), Shaheen Afridi 16 (10)
-
Alzarri Joseph 3-15, Hussain Talat 2-18, Luke Wood 2-25
-
-
Peshawar Zalmi: 133/3 in 16.4 overs
-
Babar Azam 56* (42), Hussain Talat 51* (37), Mohammad Haris 20 (16)
-
Shaheen Afridi 2-22
-
-
Result: Peshawar Zalmi won by 7 wickets
-
Player of the Match: Alzarri Joseph (Peshawar Zalmi)
Points Table Impact (After Match 14)
| Team | Matches | Wins | Points | Net Run Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamabad United | 5 | 4 | 8 | +0.765 |
| Multan Sultans | 5 | 3 | 6 | +0.543 |
| Lahore Qalandars | 5 | 2 | 4 | -0.271 |
| Peshawar Zalmi | 5 | 2 | 4 | -0.398 |
What’s Next for Zalmi and Qalandars?
-
Peshawar Zalmi will look to build momentum as they take on Karachi Kings in their next fixture.
-
Lahore Qalandars face a crucial test against Multan Sultans, needing to bounce back quickly to stay in the top-four mix.
Key Takeaways
-
Babar Azam‘s consistency as Zalmi’s anchor remains unmatched in PSL 2025.
-
Hussain Talat continues to shine as a dynamic all-rounder, contributing both with bat and ball.
-
Alzarri Joseph has emerged as a potent weapon in Zalmi’s pace attack.
-
Lahore Qalandars need urgent middle-order reinforcements if they want to stay in playoff contention.
