LAHORE - Fakhar Zaman’s explosive half-century and Muhammad Salman Mirza’s four-wicket blitz powered Lahore Qalandars to a crucial 23-run win over Peshawar Zalmi in a rain-shortened 13-over thriller at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday night, sealing their place in the HBL PSL 10 playoffs.
Batting first after rain reduced the game, Qalandars posted a commanding 149-8 in just 13 overs. Fakhar smashed 60 off 36 balls, his 23rd PSL fifty, to become the tournament’s leading run-scorer (369 runs). He was supported by brisk cameos from Mohammad Naeem (22), Kusal Perera (17), and Asif Ali (18).
In response, Zalmi crumbled to 123-8 despite late hitting by Daniel Sams (26*) and Ahmed Daniyal (24). Salman, returning to the league after three years, claimed 4-31 including the prized scalps of Saim Ayub, Muhammad Haris, and Max Bryant to dismantle Zalmi’s top order. Qalandars’ win keeps their title hopes alive, knocking Zalmi out of the race.