DUBAI: A superb all-around bowling performance by Karachi Kings helped them defeat Peshawar Zalmi by five wickets in their Pakistan Super League 2018 fixture at Dubai International Stadium here on Sunday night. After deciding to bat first, after a flying start, Zalmi kept losing wickets at regular intervals and only managed to score 131 for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 20 overs. An ephemeral cameo from Kamran Akmal at the top aside, Zalmi struggled to score at a good enough run rate, with the crease becoming a revolving door for batsmen to waltz in and out of. The star of the show was West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Smith, who scored an unbeaten 71 off 51 with the help of four fours and five sixes. King’s bowlers – particularly Mohammad Amir early on – were magnificent, setting the tone for the rest of the evening. left-arm pacer Amir and veteran leg-spinner Shahid Afridi claimed two wickets each. Even though Darren Sammy’s men managed 48 in the last four overs, Kings good work in the first 16 meant the target was still well within the Kings’ reach.
In reply, Kings couldn’t get going as well and kept losing wickets at regular intervals, but eventually get over the line. It was tighter than it needed to be, the chase completed with only two balls to spare. Opener Joe Denly was the most successful batsman for the Kings, as he finished the innings with the top score of 29 off 39 balls with the help of four fours. For Zalmi, pacer Chris Jordan and young leg-spinner Ibtisam Sheikh claimed two wickets each. For his outstanding batting performance, Smith was named player of the match. Karachi are the only side with a perfect record in the PSL so far, and move to the top of the table. Zalmi now have one win from three, and are fourth.
Brief scores: Karachi Kings 135 for 5 (Joe Denly 29, Babar Azam 28, Ibtisam Sheikh 2-25, Chris Jordan 2-29) beat Peshawar Zalmi 131 for 9 (Dwayne Smith 71 not out, Mohammad Amir 2-6, Shahid Afridi 2-22) by five wickets.
Published in Daily Times, February 27th 2018.