Karachi Kings head PSL points table

DUBAI: Karachi Kings displaced Multan Sultans on the top of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2018 points table after beating Peshawar Zalmi Sunday night. In a low-scoring tie, it was Kings’ all-round effort that saw them prevail over Dwayne Smith-inspired Zalmi by five wickets.

Chasing 132 to win, Karachi played tactical cricket. Their batsmen constructed regular partnerships throughout the innings.Joe Denly and Babar Azam led the charge, adding 41 for the second wicket before 19-year-old Ibtisam Sheikh snapped Azam for 28. Ibtisam then picked his second wicket, that of Colin Ingram.

Ravi Bopara and Mohammad Rizwan managed to take Kings’ near the 130-run mark. Rizwan departed in the final over for 19. At that point Kings needed another four and Bopara (17 not out) smacked Mohammad Asghar for a six.

Batting first, Peshawar Zalmi were pinned down by Mohammad Amir and Shahid Afridi. Smith held up one end and kept on ticking the scoreboard. He scored a 51-ball 71 not out inclusive with four fours and five sixes.

Among other batsmen, only Kamran Akmal (14) and Tamim Iqbal (11) entered double figures as Zalmi finished on 131-9. Amir and Afridi claimed two wickets each for six and 22 runs, respectively.

Scores in brief: Peshawar Zalmi 131-9 (Dwayne Smith 71, Kamran Akmal 14; Mohammad Amir 2-6, Shahid Afridi 2-22). Karachi Kings 134-5 in 19.4 overs (Joe Denly 29, Babar Azam 28, Colin Ingram 23, Ravi Bopara 17 not out; Ibtisam Sheikh 2-25). Karachi Kings won by 5 wickets.