RAWALPINDI – Karachi Kings booked their place in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 playoffs after 23-run victory against Peshawar Zalmi. Despite a valiant 94-run innings from Zalmi captain Babar Azam, his side fell short while chasing a daunting target of 238 runs.

Put into bat first, Karachi Kings posted a formidable total of 237 for 4 in their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by a crucial 162-run partnership between David Warner and Cameron Vince. Warner top-scored with 86 runs off 50 balls, including 11 boundaries and two sixes, while Vince contributed a quickfire 72 off 42 deliveries.

Karachi Kings vs Peshawar Zalmi

Zalmi began their chase positively, with openers Mohammad Haris and Saim Ayub putting together a 30-run opening stand. Ayub then combined with Babar Azam for a vital 77-run partnership. However, despite Babar’s aggressive 94 from 49 balls, Zalmi couldn’t keep up with the required run rate and finished at 214 for 5.

Karachi Kings’ Abbas Afridi was the pick of the bowlers, taking two key wickets, while Hasan Ali and Mir Hamza also chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.

This win ensures Karachi Kings join defending champions Islamabad United in the PSL 10 playoffs, setting up an exciting climax to the league.

Zalmi earlier won toss and opted to bowl first against Karachi Kings in Match 27 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 being played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Both sides enter contest with identical recent form, each winning three of their last five matches. However, the stakes are higher for Zalmi, who are currently fifth on the points table with eight points from as many matches.

Karachi Kings find themselves in a relatively comfortable position, sitting second with 10 points in eight games and looking to secure a playoff berth.

Peshawar Zalmi vs Karachi Kings

Peshawar Zalmi: Mohammad Haris, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (c), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Hussain Talat, Max Bryant, Maaz Sadaqat, Luke Wood, Ahmed Daniyal, Arif Yaqoob, Ali Raza

Karachi Kings: David Warner (c), Ben McDermott, James Vince, Saad Baig, Khushdil Shah, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Aamir Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza

Zalmi Dominate Head-to-Head Record

The rivalry between the two franchises has largely been one-sided. In their 21 PSL meetings to date, Peshawar Zalmi have emerged victorious on 15 occasions, while Karachi Kings have managed just six wins.

With the league stage nearing its end, today’s match holds significant implications for both teams. A win for Karachi Kings could all but confirm their spot in the playoffs, while Peshawar Zalmi will be eager to climb the table and stay in the hunt for a top-four finish.