Babar, Mendis lift Peshawar Zalmi to 247-run target against Karachi Kings

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi set Karachi Kings a daunting 247-run target in their Pakistan Super League season 11 match at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday, with Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis leading the charge.

Zalmi piled up 247 after being put in to bat by Karachi Kings, who chose to field first after winning the toss. The innings was driven by a major partnership between Babar and Mendis, helping Peshawar post one of the biggest totals of the contest.

Babar, leading Zalmi, played a central role in the innings, while Mendis provided strong support as the pair accelerated the scoring. Their stand put Karachi under sustained pressure and laid the platform for the imposing total.

The match was played at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, where the two sides met in a high-scoring fixture of the PSL 11 season. A photograph released from the game showed Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis sharing a fist bump during the match on April 9, 2026.

Karachi opt to bowl first

Karachi Kings elected to field after winning the toss, a decision that gave Peshawar Zalmi the first use of the pitch. Zalmi’s batting unit then made full use of the opportunity, building momentum through the innings and eventually setting a target of 247.

The total was anchored by the contributions of Babar and Mendis, whose partnership formed the backbone of the innings. Their effort ensured that Karachi would need a substantial chase to win the match.

The fixture formed part of the ongoing Pakistan Super League season 11, with both teams looking to strengthen their position in the tournament. Peshawar’s final total left Karachi facing a steep task in reply.

Big total puts pressure on Kings

A target of 247 in a T20 match represents a significant challenge, and Karachi Kings were left needing a powerful batting response to stay in contention. Peshawar Zalmi’s innings, built around the work of Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis, gave them a strong position in the contest.

The innings was powered by Kusal Mendis, with Babar Azam also playing a major hand in taking Zalmi to the massive total. Karachi, after choosing to bowl first, were left to chase one of the biggest targets of the season.