KARACHI: Former champions Peshawar Zalmi have officially confirmed their place in the PSL 11 playoffs after a strong run in the group stage, becoming the first team to secure a top-four finish this season.
Zalmi’s qualification was sealed on Friday when Quetta Gladiators registered a convincing six-wicket win over Lahore Qalandars at the National Bank Stadium. The result ensured that no team outside the top three could overtake Zalmi’s points tally in the remaining league matches.
Sitting at the summit of the eight-team table with 13 points from seven outings, Zalmi have been one of the most consistent sides in the competition so far. Their campaign began in dominant fashion with a five-wicket win over debutants Rawalpindi-based side in a high-scoring contest. Their momentum was briefly interrupted when their second fixture against Islamabad United was abandoned due to rain in Lahore.
Since then, the 2017 champions have been in exceptional form, stringing together five consecutive victories. They defeated Hyderabad Kingsmen, Karachi Kings, defending champions Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, and Quetta Gladiators in succession to strengthen their position at the top of the standings.
With qualification now secured, Zalmi will look to maintain their winning rhythm in the remaining league matches. They are scheduled to face Quetta Gladiators again on Sunday at the same venue before travelling to Lahore for their final two group-stage fixtures against Karachi Kings on April 22 and Lahore Qalandars on April 25.
Despite Zalmi’s confirmed playoff berth, the race for the remaining spots remains wide open. Three-time champions Islamabad United currently sit second with nine points from seven matches, while Multan Sultans are close behind with eight points and a game in hand, keeping the competition intense as the league stage approaches its conclusion.
Peshawar Zalmi squad for PSL 11
Babar Azam (c), Sufiyan Muqeem, Abdul Samad, Ali Raza, Aaron Hardie, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Haris, Khalid Usman, Abdul Subhan, Tanzid Hasan, Michael Bracewell, Kusal Mendis, Iftikhar Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Kashif Ali, Shahnawaz Dahani, Farhan Yousuf, Brian Bennett, Mohammad Basit and Shoriful Islam.
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