Iftikhar Ahmed’s all-round brilliance seals last-ball thriller for Peshawar Zalmi

In a match that swung wildly until the very last delivery, Iftikhar Ahmed delivered a sensational all-round performance to guide Peshawar Zalmi to a dramatic four-wicket victory over Hyderabad Kingsmen in the Pakistan Super League on Wednesday.

Playing at the iconic National Stadium Karachi, the 35-year-old off-spinner first dismantled Hyderabad’s batting lineup with a match-defining spell of 4 for 21, before returning to finish the job with the bat in a nerve-wracking chase.

Hyderabad Kingsmen, after being put under pressure early, were bowled out for 145 in 18.2 overs. Kusal Perera stood tall with a fighting 58, while Marnus Labuschagne contributed 27. However, regular wickets halted any momentum, with Iftikhar leading the charge and receiving strong support from Sufyan Moqim, who also picked up four wickets.

Chasing a modest target, Peshawar Zalmi looked comfortable at stages but failed to build sustained partnerships. Skipper Babar Azam anchored the innings with a composed 43 off 37 balls, while contributions from Kusal Mendis (27) and Michael Bracewell (25) kept the chase alive. Yet, Hyderabad’s bowlers struck at crucial intervals, dragging the game into a tense final over.

With 14 runs needed off the last six balls and only four wickets in hand, the pressure was firmly on Zalmi. But Iftikhar once again rose to the occasion. Facing young pacer Hunain Shah, he smashed a boundary and a towering six, keeping his composure to seal victory off the final ball. His unbeaten 15 proved decisive in one of the most thrilling finishes of the season.

For Hyderabad, Saim Ayub impressed with the ball, claiming two wickets, but the team could not defend the total under pressure.

Iftikhar’s match-winning heroics earned him the Player of the Match award, capping off a memorable performance that kept Peshawar Zalmi’s playoff hopes alive. With five points from three matches, Zalmi now sit in fourth place on the table, while Hyderabad Kingsmen remain winless after four outings, their campaign in urgent need of revival.

Brief Scores:

Peshawar Zalmi beat Hyderabad Kingsmen by 4 wickets

Hyderabad Kingsmen: 145 all out (18.2 overs)

Peshawar Zalmi: 146/6 (20 overs)

Player of the Match: Iftikhar Ahmed