Karachi Kings marked the resumption of the Pakistan Super League after its suspension by securing a 23-run victory over Peshawar Zalmi. In the first match since May 7, the seasoned duo of David Warner and James Vince scored 86 and 72 runs respectively, helping Kings post a strong total of 237-4 after being asked to bat.

By PakPassion Staff (May 17, 2025)

Peshawar’s captain, Babar Azam, anchored the chase with a brilliant 94 off 49 balls, but his efforts fell short when he was run out in the 18th over.

Karachi Kings successfully defended their target in the final overs, with Peshawar finishing on 214-5 in Rawalpindi.

The new table-toppers might have faced a tough challenge early on when Ben McDermott was dismissed by Luke Wood on the very first ball of the match.

However, Warner and Vince calmed the nerves with a 161-run partnership for the second wicket, which ended when Vince was caught behind off Ali Raza in the 15th over.

Captain Warner was dismissed shortly after, caught at deep mid-wicket off Arif Yaqoob, but Khushdil Shah (43 off 15) and Mohammad Nabi (26 off 10) put together an unbeaten 70-run stand, setting a formidable target.

Peshawar started well with Babar and Saim Ayub (47 off 31) adding 77 runs for the second wicket, but after Ayub was caught off Abbas Afridi, no other batsman could score more than 20, and their chase gradually fizzled out.

Peshawar Zalmi remain fifth on the points table with eight points, while Karachi Kings move up to second place with 12 points, just behind the leaders Quetta Gladiators.