Zalmi Crush Kings in One-Sided Clash After Mendis Century

KARACHI: A sensational hundred from Kusal Mendis, backed by an all-round bowling display, powered Peshawar Zalmi to a crushing 159-run victory over Karachi Kings in the 17th match of PSL 11 at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday.

Chasing a massive 247, Karachi Kings never found momentum and were bundled out for just 87 in 16.1 overs, suffering their first defeat of the tournament.

Azam Khan was the lone resistance with a slow-paced 25 off 27 balls, including three boundaries and a six. Saad Baig (14) and Khushdil Shah (10) were the only other batters to reach double figures as the rest of the lineup collapsed under pressure.

Zalmi’s bowling unit shared the spoils, with Nahid Rana, Sufiyan Muqeem and Iftikhar Ahmed picking up three wickets each, while Shoriful Islam added one to cap off a clinical effort.

Earlier, Karachi Kings skipper David Warner opted to bowl first, a decision that proved costly as Zalmi piled up a formidable 246 for 3 in their 20 overs. The highlight was a massive 191-run stand for the second wicket between Kusal Mendis and Babar Azam.

Zalmi had an early hiccup when Mohammad Haris fell for a duck in the opening over, dismissed by Khushdil Shah. However, Mendis and Babar then took complete control, dismantling the Kings’ bowling attack with an aggressive and well-paced partnership.

Mendis was eventually dismissed in the 17th over by Abbas Afridi after a stunning knock of 109 from just 52 balls, decorated with 14 fours and four sixes.

Afridi struck again on the last ball of the same over, removing Michael Bracewell, briefly slowing Zalmi’s charge.

Babar Azam anchored the innings till the end, finishing unbeaten on 87 off 51 deliveries with 10 fours and two sixes. He was well supported by Abdul Samad, who provided late fireworks with a rapid 40 not out off only 12 balls, adding 49 runs together in no time.

For Karachi Kings, Abbas Afridi was the most successful bowler with two wickets, while Khushdil Shah managed one.