PSL Match Highlights | Pakistan Super League, 2025 (Match 29) – 18 May: Peshawar Zalmi vs Lahore Qalandars | Fakhar, Salman Star in Qalandars’ Commanding Win Over Zalmi in Rain-Marred Clash.

PZ vs LQ (Match – 29) – Highlights 

In a rain-curtailed encounter at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday night, Lahore Qalandars emerged victorious over Peshawar Zalmi by 26 runs, courtesy of a dazzling batting display by Fakhar Zaman and a fiery bowling spell from left-arm pacer Mohammad Salman Mirza. The match, effectively a virtual quarter-final, was reduced to 13 overs per side, yet it offered no shortage of drama and flair.

Opting to bowl first after rain intervened, Zalmi were immediately on the back foot as Lahore’s top order came out swinging. Fakhar Zaman, in scintillating form, anchored the innings with a blistering knock of 60 off just 36 deliveries. In the process, he leapfrogged Mohammad Rizwan to become the highest run-scorer of the tournament, now boasting 369 runs. His innings, laced with seven fours and three sixes, was his 23rd fifty in the HBL PSL — a testament to his consistency at the top.

He was ably supported by Mohammad Naeem, who smashed a quick-fire 22 from 10 balls, including three boundaries and a six, setting the tone with a 54-run opening partnership that lasted just 3.4 overs. Cameos from Kusal Perera (17 off 8), Asif Ali (18 off 6), and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi (8 not out off 6) further propelled the Qalandars to a formidable total of 149 for 8 — an imposing target in a 13-over contest, achieved at a run rate of 11.46.

Though Zalmi bowlers managed to apply the brakes in the final stages — conceding only 22 runs and picking up three wickets in the last three overs — the damage had already been done. Daniel Sams, Ahmed Daniyal, and Ali Raza all claimed two wickets apiece but could not prevent Qalandars from posting what proved to be a match-winning score.

In response, Zalmi’s chase faltered almost immediately. Mohammad Salman Mirza, making his return to the PSL after a brief appearance in 2021, turned the game on its head with a sensational spell. He dismissed the dangerous Saim Ayub in his first over before rattling Zalmi further by removing Mohammad Haris and Max Bryant off successive deliveries in the fourth over. His lethal burst derailed Zalmi’s momentum, and he eventually returned figures of 4 for 31 in his three overs, earning him the Player of the Match accolade.

The middle-order offered little resistance. Babar Azam, despite showing signs of fight, could only muster 16 off 13 balls before falling to Sikandar Raza. Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi then chipped in with crucial wickets, removing Maaz Sadaqat and Abdul Samad respectively. Zalmi collapsed to 63 for 7, and although Daniel Sams (26* off 14) and Ahmed Daniyal (24 off 14) stitched together a spirited 32-run stand, it was too little, too late.

The late resistance wasn’t enough to undo the early damage, as Peshawar finished on 123 for 8, 26 runs shy of the target. With this comprehensive win, Qalandars not only kept their playoff hopes alive but did so in emphatic style, led by the brilliance of Fakhar with the bat and Salman with the ball.

Peshawar Zalmi vs Lahore Qalandars Scoreboard

Lahore Qalandars – 149/8 (13.0)

Peshawar Zalmi  – 123/8 (13.0)

Result – Lahore Qalandars won by 26 runs

Player of the match – Salman Mirza

Salman Mirza

PZ vs LQ Playing XIs

Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.