The Pakistan Super League (PSL) witnessed a thrilling contest at the Gaddafi Stadium, where Lahore Qalandars’ Rassie van der Dussen wrote his name in the record books with a spectacular hundred but it wasn’t enough to secure his team’s first win in the tournament.
Chasing a massive 212 runs target set by Peshawar Zalmi, Rassie van der Dussen remained unbeaten on 104 runs off just 52 balls. He was a lone warrior for Qalandars and his knock, consisting of 7 boundaries and 6 sixes, showcased his prowess and determination.
Despite Rassie van der Dussen’s heroics, the Qalandars faltered in their pursuit, eventually falling short by eight runs. The South African star stood tall amidst a modest showing from his teammates, with only Shai Hope (29) and Ahsan Hafeez Bhatti (20) registering scores above 20. Jahanad Khan’s late cameo (13) provided some support, but Paul Walter’s bowling in the final over proved too much to overcome, restricting the Qalandars to 203/6 in 20 overs.
Qalandars were required 46 runs in the last three overs with Rassie van der Dussen, Sikandar Raza, Jahandad Khan, and Carlos Braithwaite in the ranks but they couldn’t manage to score 18 runs in the last over of Paul Walter.
Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi capitalized on the opportunity to bat first, putting up a commanding total of 211 runs thanks to a strong opening partnership between Babar Azam and Saim Ayub. Both put in a blistering attack, amassing 136 runs for the first wicket in just 14.2 overs. While Babar departed shortly after, scoring 48 runs, Saim continued the momentum, eventually emerging as the top-scorer for Zalmi with a well-composed 88 runs in just 55 balls. The aggressive opener smoked eight fours and four sixes in his brilliant innings.
Rovman Powell further boosted Zalmi’s innings with a quickfire 20-ball 46, featuring five boundaries and two sixes. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris also chipped in with an unbeaten 12 runs towards the end, ensuring a strong finish for his team. Skipper Shaheen Afridi spearheaded the Qalandars’ bowling attack, taking three crucial wickets for 33 runs, but ultimately, Zalmi’s collective batting effort proved too much to handle.
This thrilling encounter of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) showcased individual brilliance, but it was ultimately Zalmi’s team performance that secured them their second consecutive win of the season. The Qalandars, meanwhile, will look to regroup and bounce back after learning from their five consecutive losses in the tournament.
