Pollard and Mir Hamza’s Heroics Guided Kings to a comfortable Victory

Muhammad Waqas

Peshawar Zalmi: 154 (19.5) | Babar 72(51), Powell 39(25) | Hamza 3/28, Hasan 3/30

Karachi Kings: 157/3 (16.5) | Pollard 49*(21), Vince 38*(30) | L Wood 2/20, Salamkheil 1/54 

Babar Azam’s effort in vain as Pollard outshines with brutal hitting. 

Pollard and Vince finishes the game comfortably 

Opting to field first, Karachi kings’ bowlers wreaked havoc on the Peshawar Zalmi batting lineup from the start. Shoaib Malik set the tone early by dismissing Saim Ayub for a golden duck, with Mir Hamza adding to the pressure by removing Mohammad Haris in the fourth over. The ever-dangerous Hasan Ali further dented Zalmi by sending Tom Kohler-Cadmore back to the pavilion, leaving them struggling at 40-3 within 5.1 overs.

Despite early setbacks, Zalmi’s Skipper Babar Azam Showcased his class by anchoring the innings masterfully. Babar not only stabilized the innings but also achieved a significant milestone, becoming the fastest player to reach 10,000 T20 runs in just 271 innings, surpassing legendary Chris Gayle. He formed a crucial 68-run partnership with Rovman Powell, who contributed valuable 39 runs before departing.

However, Babar was removed after scoring 72 off 51. Despite late flourishing from Asif Ali, who scored 23 runs off 16 balls, Karachi kings maintained the pressure. With Mir Hamza and Hasan Ali taking three wickets each, ably supported by Daniel Sams, Mohammad Nawaz, and Shoaib Malik. Daniel Sams took two wickets, while Nawaz and Malik got one wicket each. Peshawar Zalmi was eventually bowled out on 154 runs in 19.5 overs.

In response, Karachi kings approached the chase with confidence, knowing that the target was within reach. However, Luke Wood provided Zalmi an early breakthrough. Mohammad Akhlaq provided a blazing start with a quickfire 24 runs off just 13 balls, including three fours and two sixes, before falling to Luke Wood in the fifth over. When Akhlaq got out, Karachi was struggling at 40/2 in 4.3, but Shoaib Malik steadied the ship with a composed 29 runs in 29 deliveries.

The stage was set for Kieron Pollard’s explosive innings as he hit three sixes and two boundaries to Waqar Salamkheil, scoring an unbeaten 49 runs off just 21 deliveries. He was supported by James Vince who scored unbeaten 38 off 30.

Pollard ensured Karachi Kings’ victory with seven wickets in hand. With this win, Karachi Kings secured their first win of the season, after being defeated by Multan Sultans in their first game.

Turning Point:

Pressure started to build, but Pollard’s destructive over against Waqar Salamkheil moved the game away from Peshawar Zalmi.