Rawalpindi: Lahore Qalandars delivered a clutch performance to book their spot in the HBL PSL 2025 playoffs, defeating Peshawar Zalmi by 26 runs in a rain-hit encounter at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
The much-anticipated match, reduced to 13 overs per side due to heavy rain, turned into a do-or-die fixture for both teams. Qalandars, who had only a one-point lead over Zalmi before the game, needed a victory to secure the final playoff berth—and they delivered in style.
Opting to bat first, Lahore’s top order went aggressive right from the powerplay. Fakhar Zaman set the tone with a blistering 60 off 36 balls, smashing seven fours and three sixes. He was well-supported by Mohammad Naeem (22 off 10) and Kusal Perera (17 off 8), while Asif Ali added late fireworks with 22 off just 9 balls.
Despite a mini-collapse in the death overs due to good bowling from Daniel Sams and Ahmed Daniyal, Lahore posted a strong 149 for 8 in 13 overs.
Zalmi’s chase got off to a poor start as Lahore’s bowlers struck early. Salman Mirza turned the game with a brilliant spell, picking up 4 wickets for 31 runs, including the key scalps of Mohammad Haris and Max Bryant in back-to-back deliveries at the end of the powerplay.
The pressure mounted when skipper Babar Azam was caught off Sikandar Raza, leaving Zalmi reeling at 35-3. From there, Lahore’s bowlers maintained tight lines and length, pushing the required rate well above 14 an over.
Despite late resistance from Daniel Sams (26 off 14) and Aamer Jamal (24 off 14), the target proved too steep. Zalmi managed only 123-8, falling short by 26 runs.
With this win, Lahore Qalandars sealed the last available spot in the playoffs, while Peshawar Zalmi—known for consistently making the playoffs in previous editions—were eliminated.
It was a match that showcased Lahore’s ability to perform under pressure, with Fakhar’s explosive innings and Salman’s match-winning bowling making the difference in a high-stakes contest.
