The losing streak of Karachi Kings in HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) continued on Thursday as Peshawar Zalmi edged out them by three runs in a close match at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. In another match, Quetta Gladiators defeated Islamabad United by seven wickets.Peshawar Zalmi scored 182-4 in allotted 20 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat first. Zalmi's openers Tamim Iqbal and Muhammad Hafeez provided the team a solid start with Hafeez scoring 59 and Tamim 37.
Chasing down the target of 183, Karachi Kings' start was disappointing as they lost five wickets for just 48 runs. But a 61-run partnership between Ravi Bhopara and JM Vince for the sixth wicket brought Kings back into the game. Bhopara's whirlwind knock scared Zalmi as he displayed exceptional hitting to score a 33-ball 67 runs. Bhopara had almost won the match as Kings needed 5 runs in the 4 balls of the last over. However, Darren Sammi held his nerve to trap Bhopara in the third ball of the last over. Kings could score only 179 runs in 20 overs for nine wickets. Mohammad Hafeez was declared man of the match.
In the other match, Quetta Gladiators trounced Islamabad United by seven wickets. Gladiators' captain Sarfraz scored an unbeaten 39-ball 51 runs to successfully chase down a modest target of 118. Earlier, Sarfraz won the toss and invited Islamabad United to bat. United scored 117 runs in 19.1 overs. Grant Elliot was declared man of the match for his three important wickets. Shane Watson top scored for United with 40 runs. Shane Watson led Islamabad United in the absence of an injured Misbah-ul-Haq.