Joseph’s Bowling Prowess Leads Zalmi’s Victory

LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi’s bowlers displayed remarkable discipline, successfully restricting Lahore Qalandars to a modest total in the 14th match of PSL 10 held at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Babar Azam, Zalmi’s captain, opted to bowl first, a decision that proved fruitful as his team’s bowling unit dismantled Qalandars’ formidable batting lineup, limiting them to 128 runs before their innings concluded in 19.3 overs.

The troubles for Qalandars started early when Fakhar Zaman, the experienced opener, was bowled by Alzarri Joseph in the second over after a risky shot. He managed just 10 runs from eight balls.

The hosts then faced another setback in the subsequent over as Luke Wood dismissed both Asif Ali (five) and Daryl Mitchell (two).

The two-time champions continued to struggle, losing two more wickets in quick succession, finding themselves at a precarious 35/5 by the end of the powerplay.

With half the team out, captain Shaheen Shah Afridi elevated himself to number seven but his stay lasted only 10 deliveries, departing in the eighth over with a score of 16.

Following the collapse, Sikandar Raza and Rishad Hossain attempted a recovery, cautiously adding 23 runs for the seventh wicket before Hossain was caught behind off Joseph in the 11th over.

Hossain scored 13 off 13 balls, including one four and a six.

Raza then formed a 36-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Haris Rauf, who scored 10 from 14 balls before being bowled by Arif Yaqoob in the 16th over.

The all-rounder was eventually dismissed by Hussain Talat in the final over. He was the highest scorer for Qalandars with 52 off 36 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes.

Alzarri Joseph stood out for Zalmi, claiming three wickets for a mere 16 runs in his four overs. Luke Wood and Hussain Talat supported him well, each taking two wickets, while Arif Yaqoob and Ali Raza each took one.