PSL 10: Karachi Kings hold their nerve to edge out Zalmi in last-over thriller

Karachi Kings pulled off a thrilling two-wicket win over Peshawar Zalmi in a nail-biting contest in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 at the National Bank Stadium on Monday. All-rounder Khushdil Shah starred with both bat and ball to guide his team home in the final over.

Chasing a modest target of 148 on a tricky pitch, Karachi Kings reached the mark with just three balls to spare. Hasan Ali sealed the deal with a boundary off Hussain Talat, sparking celebrations in the Kings' dugout.

The chase began on a shaky note as opener Tim Seifert fell on the first ball of the innings to a brilliant in-swinger from Luke Wood. Wood struck again soon after, removing James Vince for 11, putting the Kings under early pressure.

Skipper David Warner then stepped up with a composed innings, scoring 60 off 47 balls with eight boundaries. He built crucial partnerships with Saad Baig, Irfan Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and finally Khushdil Shah to keep the chase alive.

However, after Warner’s dismissal in the 17th over, Kings stumbled again, losing two quick wickets and slipping to 133/8. But Khushdil Shah kept his cool, finishing unbeaten on 23 off 17 balls, including three well-timed boundaries, to see his team through.

Luke Wood was the standout bowler for Zalmi, finishing with figures of 3/28. Ali Raza took two wickets, while Arif Yaqoob and Alzarri Joseph claimed one each.

Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi managed 147/8 in their 20 overs after being put in to bat. Captain Babar Azam led the scoring with a patient 46 off 41 balls, hitting seven fours. Mohammad Haris chipped in with 28 off 21 deliveries.

Khushdil Shah also shone with the ball, taking 3/20, while Mir Hamza, Abbas Afridi, and Aamir Jamal chipped in with important wickets to keep Zalmi in check.

This victory lifts Karachi Kings to second place in the PSL 10 standings, pushing Lahore Qalandars down a spot. Meanwhile, Peshawar Zalmi remain in fourth with just two points from four matches.