Zalmi vs Qalandars, 2nd Match at Karachi, PSL, Feb 21 2021 - Match Result

Shaheen Afridi has been named Man of the Match for his 3 for 14. Rashid's helicopter finish wasn't enough to sway the judging panel. That's it from us for the first match in today's doubleheader. For Saurabh Somani, I'm Peter Della Penna. Islamabad United and Multan Sultans get underway in just over an hour so be sure to join Danyal Rasool in the central commentary position for that contest. Until then, take care!

Zalmi captain Wahab Riaz: "I think it was a good start from their bowling. There was a little bit in the wicket and the bowlers utilized it really well. The [batsmen] should have taken a little bit more time. I think the positive was the way that Shoaib and Ravi and Rutherford, especially the way the fielding fought. We put each and every thing into it to take the game to the last over. The message is very clear for Haider: go out, play your shots, play your game. There is no pressure if you get out or you score runs."

Here is Rashid Khan after the win: "I feel good. The best thing is to finish it off with the bat. I got an opportunity today and just wanted to finish it for the team and have a good win. That's how we wanted to get the tournament started. Mostly I think just the balance. I have all the shots but it's just about the balance. I need to have a proper balance at the wicket. I have strong wrists in the power that I can clear the rope, but working on my balance, that was struggling in the last year and I've been making lots of improvements though I still have lots left to do. I call that shot the mini-helicopter, just try to go for it. The wicket wasn't as spinning but you have to bowl in the right areas. It was sticking and skidding on. I was trying to take advantage of that and mix it up for the batsmen. When you get a green track like this, you want to play an important role. I focused on my length and economy. It's an amazing feeling, especially my first PSL experience, to feel happy and win the game for the team I absolutely love it."

5.37 pm Rashid makes his case for Man of the Match with that 27 not out off 15 balls to go with his 0 for 14 from four overs earlier. Economy strangled the Zalmi lineup in the first innings while Afridi profited in the wickets column. Qalandars were wobbling when Rashid entered on a hat-trick ball, but he got them across the line in very cool fashion. He'd get my vote for Man of the Match honors.

Camper: "Rashid does this around the world. Putting teams in great positions and making them feel strong (with both ball and bat) and then takes off for national duty. Qalandars gonna miss him in a few days!! This could have turned out very ugly for them had there been a typical number 8 walking in."

Amad Butt to bowl the 19th.

That over could hardly have gone any worse for Zalmi.

Matthew Staffor: "Deary me that Wahab no ball plus boundary reminds me of Phehlukwayo just now in the Pak v SA series". Andile bowled a few doozies.

One ball is all it took to put Qalandars back in front back under a run a ball equation.

Wahab back around the stumps.

Camper: "I don't know which brand ball is being used but I don't even mind it if it is of 'lesser quality', reversing after 12-14 overs. Bring it on."

Carson Wentz: "Looks like Qalandars returning back to form (by blowing away this win)!" Nice of you to join us Carson after your recent trade from the Eagles to the Colts.

Mustafa Moudi: "This is a great example how NOT to ruin your chase with too many Dots Balls. Lahore has not hit a single boundary in last 3 overs and as a result, lost 2 successive wickets due to mounting pressure !!"

Shakir: "@PDP would you still disagree with Sohail's optimism about Zalmi's victory??? We Qalandars fans are never sure of the victory until the last bowl is bowled... " Reverse swing is wreaking havoc... in a T20 match!

Bilal: "Peshawar Zalmi's swing is king. Wahab's reverse swing will win the game. "

The umpire handed the hat back to Saqib calling the over. But he clearly only delivered five balls. Umpire may have lost count during all the wickets and reviews. He's got the ball back in hand looking to complete the maiden officially.

That previous ball could have gone either way on field but the DRS review is justified. Now Saqib is on a hat-trick ball. Rashid Khan to face it!

The equation to win is nothing special for Qalandars but the ball is reversing dramatically in the last few overs. Game definitely not over.