(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
PSL 11: Kusal Mendis Helps Zalmi Post Competitive Total Against Lahore Qalandars
April 11, 2026
Peshawar Zalmi set a competitive target of 174 runs for Lahore Qalandars in their Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) clash at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday, powered by a strong batting performance from Kusal Mendis and a solid contribution from captain Babar Azam.
Solid start from Zalmi
Batting first, Zalmi openers Mohammad Haris and Babar Azam gave their team a positive start with aggressive stroke play. Haris provided early momentum before being dismissed for 18 by Shaheen Afridi.
Mendis and Babar build key partnership
Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis then stabilised the innings with a crucial partnership, taking the score past 100 and putting Zalmi in a strong position.
Mendis played an excellent innings, reaching a well-made half-century and continuing to dominate the Qalandars’ bowling attack. Babar also contributed with a steady knock of 43 runs before being dismissed.
Middle and lower order contributions
After the partnership was broken, Zalmi’s middle order added useful runs to push the total beyond 170. Michael Bracewell contributed a quick cameo before Shaheen Afridi struck again to break momentum.
Shaheen Afridi leads Qalandars’ bowling
Lahore Qalandars’ bowling attack was led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who picked up three wickets and kept Zalmi under pressure during key stages of the innings. Other bowlers also chipped in with important breakthroughs.
Zalmi innings summary
Peshawar Zalmi finished their innings at 173/7 in 20 overs, setting a target of 174 runs for Lahore Qalandars.
Team standings
Peshawar Zalmi remain among the top teams in PSL 11, while Lahore Qalandars continue to fight for consistency in the tournament.
Playing XIs
Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Haseebullah Khan (wk), Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza, Asif Ali, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi (c), Dunith Wellalage, Mustafizur Rahman, Ubaid Shah.
Peshawar Zalmi: Mohammad Haris, Babar Azam (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Michael Bracewell, Abdul Samad, Farhan Yousaf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Aamer Jamal, Sufiyan Muqeem, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.
