Peshawar Zalmi delivered a commanding performance to defeat Karachi Kings by 159 runs in a Pakistan Super League (PSL) encounter held in Karachi on Sunday. The victory marked the heaviest defeat in PSL history and handed the Kings their first loss in the ongoing tournament.

Zalmi set a challenging target of 247 runs, largely thanks to a dominant batting display led by Kusal Mendis and Babar Azam. Mendis scored a rapid 109 off 52 balls, featuring 14 fours and four sixes, earning him the Player of the Match award. He shared a 191-run partnership for the second wicket with Babar Azam, who remained unbeaten on 87 from 51 deliveries, including 10 fours and two sixes. The pair’s aggressive stand set the foundation for Zalmi’s total of 246 for 3 in their allotted 20 overs.

Opening batter Mohammad Haris fell early for a duck, bowled by Khushdil Shah, but the Mendis-Azam partnership turned the momentum decisively in Zalmi’s favor. After Mendis was dismissed in the 17th over by Abbas Afridi, Abdul Samad contributed a brisk 40 runs from just 12 balls, helping Zalmi reach a formidable total.

In response, Karachi Kings struggled against a disciplined Zalmi bowling attack. They were bowled out for 87 runs in 16.1 overs. Wicketkeeper Azam Khan top-scored for the Kings with a cautious 25 off 27 balls. Other batsmen offered limited resistance, with Saad Baig scoring 14 and Khushdil Shah 10.

Zalmi’s bowling was spearheaded by Nahid Rana, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Iftikhar Ahmed, who took three wickets apiece. Shoriful Islam also chipped in with one wicket. Rana was particularly economical, taking three wickets for just seven runs. Afridi was the most successful bowler for Karachi, finishing with figures of two for 55 in four overs.

Karachi captain David Warner’s decision to field first did not pay off, as Zalmi’s aggressive batting and effective bowling dismantled the Kings’ lineup. The comprehensive victory consolidates Peshawar Zalmi’s strong position in the tournament as they continue their campaign.