Michael Bracewell PSL 83 Powers Peshawar Zalmi, But Fakhar Zaman Guides Lahore Qalandars to Victory

Lahore Qalandars – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) -Lahore Qalandars kept their playoff hopes alive with a composed four-wicket victory over Peshawar Zalmi in a high-scoring Pakistan Super League clash at Qaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Saturday, successfully chasing down a 200-run target after Michael Bracewell PSL 83 powered Zalmi to a formidable total.

Set a daunting 200 for victory, Lahore reached the target for the loss of four wickets, anchored by a fluent 58 from Fakhar Zaman.

Key contributions also came from Charith Asalanka (33), Sikandar Raza (29), Sam Billings (35), and Abdullah Shafique (25), as Lahore executed a well-paced chase under pressure.

Peshawar’s bowling attack saw Sufiyan Muqeem, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ali Raza, and Khurram Shahzad pick up one wicket each, but they struggled to contain Lahore’s deep and determined batting lineup.

Earlier, Lahore Qalandars opted to field first after winning the toss, but Zalmi’s batting unit delivered a strong performance, led by captain Babar Azam’s 59 and a brilliant 83 from Michael Bracewell.

The duo built a solid partnership, maintaining momentum through the middle overs and guiding Zalmi to a challenging total despite disciplined spells from Lahore’s bowlers.

For Lahore, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf claimed two wickets each, applying pressure at key moments to prevent Zalmi from accelerating further.

With the playoff race intensifying, this win keeps Lahore Qalandars in contention, showcasing their resilience in a must-win phase of the tournament.

This marked the second meeting between the two teams this season. Earlier, Zalmi had dominated Qalandars in Karachi, bowling them out for just 97 after posting 173/7, securing a convincing 76-run victory.

After winning the toss, Shaheen Afridi emphasized a fighting spirit, urging his team to battle until the final ball. Mohammad Naeem and Ryan Burl were included in the playing XI for this crucial fixture.

Playing XIs

Lahore Qalandars: Mohammad Naeem, Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Charith Asalanka, Haseebullah (wk), Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Daniel Sams, Shaheen Afridi, Ubaid Shah, Haris Rauf

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam, James Vince, Kusal Mendis, Farhan Yousuf, Michael Bracewell, Iftikhar Ahmed, Abdul Samad, Khurram Shahzad, Sufyan Muqeem, Basit Ali, Ali Raza