Video Source: Pakistan Super League Official YouTube Channel

Qalandars Roar, Zalmi Silenced – Playoff Sealed in Rawalpindi!

Date: May 18, 2025

Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Match: Lahore Qalandars vs Peshawar Zalmi (Match 29, PSL X)
Result: Lahore Qalandars won by 26 runs (DLS Method)

In a rain-curtailed 13-over thriller, Lahore Qalandars summoned fire and fury to clinch their playoff spot, crushing Peshawar Zalmi by 26 runs in Match 29 of PSL X. While skies wept, Qalandars lit up Rawalpindi with defiance, drama, and dominant cricket.

First Innings: Fakhar Leads the Charge

Asked to bat first in damp conditions, Lahore Qalandars didn’t just walk out—they stormed out. Fakhar Zaman, once again the face of firepower, blasted a commanding 60 off just 36 balls, laced with 7 fours and 3 sixes. He laid the perfect platform with Mohammad Naeem (22 off 10) and Asif Ali (18 off 6) adding explosive cameos.

While wickets fell in clusters, the Qalandars still posted a formidable 149/8 in 13 overs—a mountain too steep even in shortened play.

Lahore Qalandars Batting

Key Batting Contributions
Lahore Qalandars (149/8 in 13 overs)

• Fakhar Zaman: 60 off 36 balls (SR 166.67) – A match-defining knock, blending aggression and composure, setting a formidable target.
• Mohammad Naeem: 22 off 10 balls (SR 220.00) – Quickfire cameo boosted the Powerplay.
• Asif Ali: 18 off 6 balls (SR 300.00) – Late fireworks added crucial runs.

Peshawar Zalmi Bowling 

Key Bowling Contributions:

• Ahmed Daniyal: 2/22 in 3 overs – Removed key batters, including Naeem, to curb Qalandars’ early surge.
• Daniel Sams: 2/28 in 3 overs – Picked up crucial wickets but leaked runs in the death.
• Luke Wood: 1/30 in 3 overs – Struggled to contain Fakhar but bowled decently upfront.
  Note: Zalmi’s bowlers lacked consistency, with dropped catches and wayward deliveries allowing Qalandars to post a challenging total

Second Innings: Mirza the Magician

Chasing 150 in 13 overs, Peshawar Zalmi needed magic. But it was Qalandars’ debutant, Salman Mirza, who had a trick up his sleeve. The pacer tore into Zalmi’s top order, snatching 4/31—including Saim, Haris, Max Bryant, and Daniyal—in a spell that turned the match on its head.

Despite late hitting from Sams (26*) and Daniyal (24), Zalmi collapsed to 123/8, falling well short of the target. For the first time in PSL history, they miss the playoffs.

Peshawar Zalmi Batting

Key Batting Contributions:Peshawar Zalmi (123/8 in 13 overs)

• Daniel Sams: 26* off 15 balls (SR 173.33) – Fought valiantly with a late flourish, including a six, but too little too late.
• Abdul Samad: 17 off 10 balls (SR 170.00) – Brief resistance, unable to sustain momentum.
  Note: Zalmi’s top order crumbled under pressure, with no batter crossing 30, highlighting their reliance on Babar Azam, who fell early.

Lahore Qalandars Bowling

Key Bowling Contributions
Lahore Qalandars

• Salman Mirza: 4/31 in 3 overs – The debutant stole the show, dismantling Zalmi’s top order with Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris, and Max Bryant among his victims. Player of the Match.
• Shaheen Shah Afridi: 1/18 in 3 overs – Struck early and maintained pressure, stifling Zalmi’s Powerplay.
• Haris Rauf: 1/28 in 3 overs – Kept things tight despite late hitting from Sams.
  Note: Qalandars’ bowlers were disciplined, exploiting Zalmi’s aggressive approach with precise lines and lengths.

Key Takeaways from Lahore Qalandars vs Peshawar Zalmi Match

Fakhar Zaman’s Form Proves a Game-Changer
Fakhar Zaman’s brilliant 60 runs formed the backbone of Lahore Qalandars’ total. His performance once again proved his value as a match-winner in crucial moments. With 309 runs in PSL X at an average of 34.33 and a strike rate of 152.97, Fakhar has shown remarkable consistency throughout the tournament.

Salman Mirza’s Breakthrough Performance
The debutant Salman Mirza stole the spotlight by taking a remarkable 4-wicket haul. His breakthrough bowling displayed Qalandars’ impressive squad depth and unveiled a promising new talent ready for bigger challenges.

Zalmi’s Batting Collapse Highlights Vulnerabilities
Peshawar Zalmi’s top order collapsed dramatically, losing 6 wickets for just 63 runs within 8 overs. This collapse exposed their over-reliance on key players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Haris. Careless strokes and poor shot selection cost them dearly.

Qalandars’ Bowling Precision Restricts Zalmi
Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Salman Mirza bowled with tight lines and lengths, effectively restricting boundaries. Their disciplined bowling attack sets a clear blueprint for Lahore Qalandars’ playoff campaign.

Zalmi’s Missed Chances Seal Their Fate
Dropped catches and lapses in focus, widely discussed on social media (X), played a crucial role in Zalmi’s defeat. This loss marks a historic moment, as Peshawar Zalmi miss the PSL playoffs for the first time ever.

PSL 2025 Points Table Status (As of May 18, 2025)

Lahore Qalandars currently hold 3rd place with 10 points and a strong net run rate, cementing their playoff spot.
Peshawar Zalmi’s defeat pushes them to 5th place, eliminating them from playoff contention for the first time in PSL history.

Looking Ahead: Playoffs and Beyond

Lahore Qalandars head into the playoffs starting May 21 in Lahore with strong momentum. They will rely heavily on Fakhar Zaman’s batting form and a versatile, disciplined bowling unit. On the other hand, Peshawar Zalmi must regroup and rethink their strategy for PSL 2026. Despite Babar Azam’s impressive tally of 297 runs this season, their batting frailties and fielding lapses need urgent attention.

The Qalandars’ playoff charge promises exciting cricket, while Zalmi’s early exit has sparked widespread debate on X, focusing on their team strategy and leadership moving forward.