Wahab, Abrar star as Zalmi need 109 to beat Kings

Peshawar Zalmi restricted Karachi Kings to a modest total of 108-9 on Tuesday in HBL PSL 6.

Kings were dealt an early blow as they lost their premier batsman Babar Azam for a duck in the first over, courtesy of a brute yorker from Wahab Riaz.

Martin Guptill’s horror run continued as he was caught behind for 4 in Sameen Gul’s first over. Sameen had a dream start in his first game this season as also trapped Chadwick Walton lbw in his first over, leaving Kings reeling at 12/3.

Sharjeel Khan was counter attacking at the other end, as wickets continued to fall. He sprinted to 25 before being unable to keep his pull shot down against Wahab, with Haider Ali completing a simple catch at deep midwicket.

Kings needed their captain to step up and Imad responded by stitching a 30-run partnership with Najib Zadran. Zadran tried to up the ante by taking the aerial route against Abrar Ahmed, but was caught at long off for 17 by Haider Ali. Abrar, also playing his first game this season, took his second wicket in the same over as he outfoxed Aamir Yamin, who was caught behind for 0 by Kamran Akmal.

Wahab returned in the 17^th over to remove his counterpart Imad Wasim for 19, further derailing the Kings’ efforts.

Abbas Afridi’s 27-run cameo towards the end wasn’t enough for Kings to post a competitive total.

Abrar, Wahab finished with three wickets each.