KARACHI: Karachi Kings’ skipper Imad Wasim and Shoaib Malik struck gritty half-centuries but Peshawar Zalmi managed to hold off the home side to claim a thrilling two-run victory in the second match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight.

Put into bat first by the Kings’ captain Imad Wasim, Zalmi managed to raise a mammoth 199/5 in their quota of 20 overs at the back of brilliant half-centuries by Babar and Kohler-Cadmore.

Batting first, the touring side was off to a shaky start as both Mohammad Haris (10) and Saim Ayub (1) perished in the second over of the first innings with only 16 runs on the scoreboard.

Following the early hiccup, Zalmi’s skipper Babar and Kohler-Cadmore stitched an astounding 139-run partnership for the third wicket with both scoring half-centuries. Imran Tahir then finally struck in the 16th over to hand the Kings a much-needed breakthrough as he removed Babar on 68. The right-handed batter faced 46 deliveries and smashed seven boundaries and a six.

Kohler-Cadmore then put on a brief partnership with Bhanuka Rajapaksa for the fourth wicket, who could score a mere six before falling victim to Andrew Tye.

 The Zalmi were looking solid to breach the 200-run mark with Kohler-Cadmore eyeing his century but Cutting held his nerves calm to bowl a magnificent last over as he leaked just eight runs and also removed the set batter.

Kohler-Cadmore remained the top-scorer for the Zalmi with 92 off 50 balls, laced with seven boundaries and six sixes.

For the Kings, Mir Hamza, Cutting, Imran and Tye picked one wicket apiece.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 15 2023

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