Mendis, Babar Lead Peshawar Zalmi to Record 159-Run Win Over Karachi Kings

A stunning batting display from Kusal Mendis and Babar Azam powered Peshawar Zalmi to a historic 159-run victory over Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), marking the heaviest defeat in the tournament’s history.

After being put in to bat, Zalmi delivered a near-flawless performance, posting their highest-ever PSL total of 246. Mendis led the charge with a blistering 109 off 52 balls, registering the fastest century by a Zalmi batter in PSL history. Babar Azam complemented him with an unbeaten 87 off 51 deliveries, as the duo stitched together a record-breaking 191-run partnership — the highest in PSL history.

Despite an early setback with the dismissal of Mohammad Haris on the second ball, Zalmi quickly recovered. The pair showcased a blend of classical strokeplay and controlled aggression, guiding their team to 66 for 1 at the end of the powerplay. Mendis reached his half-century in just 26 balls, while Babar followed with a 32-ball fifty.

Babar also achieved a major personal milestone, becoming the fastest player to reach 12,000 T20 runs, achieving the feat in 338 innings — surpassing Chris Gayle.

Zalmi accelerated further in the death overs, thanks to a quickfire cameo from Abdul Samad, who smashed 40 off just 12 balls. His late onslaught ensured Zalmi crossed the 240 mark, leaving Karachi with a daunting chase.

In response, Karachi Kings faltered from the outset. Captain David Warner’s assessment of the pitch proved inaccurate, and his side struggled to build momentum. Warner and Muhammad Waseem were dismissed within the first seven balls, followed by Salman Agha shortly after, reducing the hosts to 8 for 3.

The batting collapse continued as Zalmi’s bowlers dominated proceedings. Iftikhar Ahmed, Nahid Rana, and Sufyan Muqeem shared nine wickets among them, dismantling Karachi for just 87 in 16.1 overs — the lowest PSL total recorded in Karachi.

Karachi’s woes were compounded by poor fielding and the absence of key pacer Hasan Ali, who missed the match due to illness.

The comprehensive victory not only extended Zalmi’s unbeaten run but also sent a strong message to the rest of the league, underlining their credentials as title contenders this season.