Peshawar Zalmi are the only unbeaten team in the Pakistan Super League PSL-11 and rule the roost as points-table leaders after completion of 26 matches. Zalmi have qualified for the play-offs due to their unparalleled superiority despite a long way to go in the marquee league.
Peshawar Zalmi was confirmed to have qualified for the playoffs after Lahore Qalandars lost to Quetta Gladiators on Friday night. Zalmi have been clinical in their six completed matches with only Hyderabad Kingsmen threatening to beat them in a last-ball thriller on 8 April. In the next game, Zalmi flexed their muscle with the largest ever winning margin in HBL PSL’s history – 159 – against Karachi Kings.
Zalmi have 13 points to their name and will face Quetta, Karachi and Lahore in their last three matches. All three oppositions are fighting for a fourth-place finish and can prove their worth by beating the title contenders Zalmi. Meanwhile, their potent weapon Nahid Rana, who picked up 7-76 in his 14 overs across four matches is no longer available
Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United, Quetta Gladiators and Hyderabad Kingsmen having played seven matches each. Multan Sultans, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars and Rawalpindiz have so far played six matches each. Out of the remaining 14 league matches, five are set to be played at Gaddafi Stadium with Quetta, Lahore and Karachi set to be in action there. At the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, the remaining nine league matches will be played till the 26 April double-header.
The Qualifier between the top two teams will be played on 28 April at the National Bank Stadium. The third and fourth-placed teams will then lock horns in Eliminator 1 on 29 April in Lahore. The losing team of the Qualifier and winner of the Eliminator 1 will be pitted against each other on 1 May in Eliminator 2 in Lahore as well to decide the second finalist. The final of the HBL PSL 11 between the winners of the Qualifier and Eliminator 2 will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Sunday, 3 May.