On April 21, 2025, at the National Stadium in Karachi, the Karachi Kings secured a dramatic two-wicket victory over Peshawar Zalmi, chasing down a target of 148 with just three balls to spare. ESPN
Match Summary:
- Peshawar Zalmi Innings: 147/8 (20 overs)
- Top Scorer: Babar Azam – 46 runs
- Notable Contributions: AS Joseph – 24 runs
- Bowling Highlights: Khushdil Shah – 3 wickets for 20 runs; Shaheen Afridi – 3 wickets for 30 runsESPN Cricinfo+5ESPN+5ESPN.com+5ESPN.com+1Pakistan Cricket Board+1
- Karachi Kings Innings: 148/8 (19.3 overs)
- Top Scorer: David Warner – 60 runs
- Finishing Touch: Khushdil Shah – unbeaten 23 runs
- Bowling Highlights for Zalmi: Luke Wood – 3 wickets for 28 runs; Ali Raza – 2 wickets for 32 runsPakistan Cricket Board+8ESPN.com+8ESPN+8ESPN Cricinfo+5ESPN+5ESPN.com+5
The match was characterized by fluctuating momentum. After a shaky start, David Warner anchored the Kings’ innings with a composed half-century. However, a flurry of wickets brought the game to a tense climax. Khushdil Shah’s all-round performance, both with the ball and a crucial unbeaten 23 runs, earned him the Player of the Match award. ESPN
Historical Context: A Rivalry of Equals
The 2025 encounter added another chapter to the storied rivalry between these two franchises. In the previous season, the teams had a split record:
- February 21, 2024: Karachi Kings triumphed by seven wickets, chasing down 155 with ease. Kieron Pollard’s explosive 49* off 21 balls was instrumental, overshadowing Babar Azam’s 72-run effort for Zalmi. ESPN.com+1ESPN Cricinfo+1
- March 11, 2024: Peshawar Zalmi clinched a narrow two-run victory. Babar Azam’s 51 runs and a disciplined bowling performance restricted the Kings to 145/5 in pursuit of 148. ESPN Cricinfo
These matches underscore the competitive balance and the high stakes whenever Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi clash on the PSL stage.
