Match Summary
🏟 Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 🏆 PSL 2025 | 📅 April 24, 2025
🎯 Lahore Qalandars: 129 (19.3 overs) | Peshawar Zalmi: 133/3 (16.4 overs)
✅ Result: Peshawar Zalmi won by 7 wickets (20 balls remaining)
⭐ Player of the Match: Babar Azam (56* off 42)
Qalandars Collapse After Early Promise
Lahore Qalandars’ homecoming turned into a nightmare as their batting lineup crumbled against a fiery Peshawar Zalmi attack. Alzarri Joseph (3/15) and Luke Wood (2/25) ripped through the top order, reducing the hosts to a shocking 21/4 inside the powerplay.
Only Sikandar Raza (52 off 37) showed resistance, fighting a lone battle with the tail to drag Lahore to a modest 129. His effort included some smart hitting against Arif Yaqoob and Mitchell Owen, but Zalmi’s death bowling (Joseph’s brilliant final over) ensured Qalandars never got momentum.
Shaheen & Rauf’s Brief Spark Fizzles Out
Defending a low total, Shaheen Afridi (2/22) and Haris Rauf came out swinging—removing Saim Ayub and Tom Kohler-Cadmore early. Rauf’s fiery first over had Babar Azam in trouble, but a controversial DRS call (umpire’s LBW overturned) kept the Zalmi skipper alive.
That moment changed everything.
Babar & Talat’s Unbeaten Stand Seals the Deal
With the early scare behind them, Babar Azam (56*) and Hussain Talat (51*) took complete control. The duo added an unbroken 93-run partnership, dismantling Lahore’s bowling with ease.
- Babar’s class shone through—his trademark flicks and drives kept the scoreboard ticking.
- Talat, often criticized for lack of power, played a perfect supporting role, accelerating when needed.
By the time Talat smashed the winning runs (also bringing up his fifty), the result was never in doubt.
What This Means for PSL 2025
✔ Zalmi’s Campaign Back on Track – Moves to 4th, ahead of Qalandars on NRR.
❌ Qalandars in Deep Trouble – Another batting collapse raises serious concerns.
Key Takeaways
🔥 Alzarri Joseph’s Spell (3/15) – Broke Qalandars’ back early.
🎯 Babar’s Chase Mastery – Another classic innings under pressure.
💥 Shaheen’s Wasted Effort – Qalandars’ bowling couldn’t defend 129.
Final Verdict
A game that promised early drama turned into a one-sided procession, thanks to Zalmi’s disciplined bowling and Babar’s calm leadership. Can Lahore bounce back? Or is this the beginning of another disappointing PSL campaign?
Your thoughts? Drop a comment! ⬇️ #PSL2025 #LQvPZ #BabarAzam
