Peshawar Zalmi 2nd win in his 4 game | © PSL (PCB)
In a pulsating encounter in PSL Season 9, Peshawar Zalmi emerged victorious against Lahore Qalandars in a high-scoring match. The win, which marked Zalmi’s second triumph in four games, propelled them to the fourth position on the league table. The game featured some exceptional individual performances, with Rassie van der Dussen’s heroic century for Qalandars taking center stage.
Batting first, Peshawar Zalmi set a challenging target of 211 for 4. The opening pair of Saim Ayub and captain Babar Azam laid a solid foundation, stitching together an impressive partnership of 136 runs off 86 balls. Despite the absence of the injured Haris Rauf, Zalmi’s batting lineup delivered a powerful performance, with Rovman Powell’s explosive innings of 46 off 20 being a highlight. Powell’s onslaught included a remarkable 22 runs off a single over against young fast bowler Mohammad Imran.
Lahore Qalandars, faced with the task of chasing for the first time this season, encountered a spirited bowling effort from Peshawar Zalmi. The Qalandars’ response was led by the remarkable Rassie van der Dussen, who played an extraordinary innings of an unbeaten 104 runs off just 52 balls. Van der Dussen reached his century in style, hitting a six over midwicket in the penultimate over. His innings featured an impressive display of power-hitting, with six sixes and seven fours.
Despite van der Dussen’s heroics, the Qalandars fell short of the target, finishing at 203 for 6. Peshawar Zalmi’s bowlers, particularly Naveen-ul-Haq and Luke Wood, played a key part in restricting the opposition. Qalandars’ captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, contributed with three wickets for 33 runs, but the lack of support from Zaman Khan proved costly.
The climax of the match unfolded in the final over, with van der Dussen requiring 18 runs. In a tense finish, Paul Walter held his nerve, conceding only three runs off the first five balls. Despite van der Dussen hitting a six off the last ball, the Qalandars fell eight runs short of the target.
In essence, the match was a roller-coaster of emotions, showcasing the competitive spirit of PSL Season 9. While Peshawar Zalmi secured a crucial win, Rassie van der Dussen’s exceptional innings are destined to be etched as a highlight in the memory of this tournament. The PSL continues to deliver thrilling cricket action, keeping fans in suspense and at the edge of their seats.
