Peshawar Zalmi beat Karachi Kings by 13 runs to qualify for PSL3 final

LAHORE (92 News) – Peshawar Zalmi thrashed Karachi Kings by 13 runs to qualify for final of the Pakistan Super League 3 at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday. Being invited to bat after losing the toss, Peshawar Zalmi amassed 170 runs in the rain-shortened 16 overs. Kamran Akmal smashed 77 laced with eight sixes and five fours. His fastest fifty off 17 balls was the hallmark of the match. ADS Fletcher (34), Darren Sammi (23), Dawson (13 and Mohammad Hafeez (13) were other main scorers. RS Bopara bagged three wickets, while TS Mills got two wickets. Usman Khan took one wicket. Chasing the 171-run target, Karachi Kings could score 157 runs for the loss of two wickets in the stipulated 16 overs. JL Denly’s 79 with the help of nine fours and four sixes could not save his side from the defeat. Babar Azam hit 63 runs off 45 balls. Hassan Ali and Sameen Gul got one wicket each. Kamran Akmal was declared Man of the Match. Speaking in the post-match ceremony, Peshawar Zalmi captain Daren Sammy said: “Akmal's partnership with Fletchee was exceptional. The guys have shown good character. The strength of this team is all of us stick together. Coming here, the support we had from the fans was amazing. Two exciting games, we couldn't have asked for more.”

Karachi Kings' stand-in captain Mohammad Amir was of the view that today was Kamran Akmal's day. “Whatever he hit connected today. It would've been fun to play the final in Karachi. For now, we'll have to learn from our mistakes,” he said.

Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar also witnessed the match.