Iftikhar Ahmed Stars as Peshawar Zalmi Clinch Last-Ball Thriller

A dramatic final-ball finish saw Peshawar Zalmi maintain their unbeaten run in the Pakistan Super League, edging past Hyderabad Kingsmen in a nail-biting contest.

Needing just one run off the final delivery, Zalmi held their nerve to seal victory after a tense chase of 146, with Iftikhar Ahmed emerging as the match-winner in an all-round performance.

Zalmi Bowlers Set the Tone

After being put in to bat, Kingsmen endured a disastrous start, largely due to Iftikhar’s stunning spell. Introduced early, he dismantled the top order, dismissing key batters including Saim Ayub and Sharjeel Khan in a single over, leaving the batting side reeling before the powerplay ended.

A rebuilding effort came through Kusal Perera and captain Marnus Labuschagne, who stitched together an 82-run partnership. Perera’s half-century provided some resistance, but the innings unraveled quickly after spinner Sufiyan Muqeem removed both set batters in quick succession.

Kingsmen collapsed dramatically, losing their last five wickets for just nine runs, eventually being bowled out for 145.

Chase Turns Tense Despite Solid Start

Zalmi’s chase began positively, with Mohammad Haris providing early momentum and Kusal Mendis adding stability. Captain Babar Azam anchored the innings but struggled to accelerate, scoring a cautious 43 off 37 balls.

Just when the chase seemed under control, Kingsmen fought back. Wickets at regular intervals, including those of Mendis and Michael Bracewell, kept the contest alive.

The turning point came in the death overs, where a superb spell from Hunain Shah, supported by Mohammad Ali, tightened the screws. Zalmi suddenly needed 29 runs from the final two overs, with pressure mounting.

Iftikhar Holds His Nerve

With the game slipping away, Iftikhar stepped up once again. A crucial six in the penultimate over shifted momentum back towards Zalmi. Despite disciplined bowling at the death, a couple of slight errors proved costly for Kingsmen.

In the end, Zalmi scraped through on the final ball, securing a thrilling win and continuing their unbeaten streak in the tournament.

Meanwhile, the defeat leaves Hyderabad Kingsmen still searching for their first win in what has been a challenging debut season, raising concerns about an early exit from the competition.