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PESHAWAR: Peshawar Zalmi emerged victorious over Legends XI by a narrow margin of six runs in the flood relief exhibition match held here at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Chasing a 145-run target, Legends XI fell short by six runs, scoring 138- 6 in 15 overs.
Legend XI started poorly in the chase, losing wickets early in the peace. As a result, they were reduced to 6-3 in just three overs.
Following the early hiccup, Azhar Ali and Humayun Farhat tried to stabilize the Legends XI innings in the chase. The duo added a 29-run stand before getting removed in quick succession.
Thus, Peshawar Zalmi tightened the grip on the match with Legends XI five down at the halfway mark of their innings.
However, legendary batter Inzamam-ul-Haq rolled back the clocks with his stroke play and played a vital role in his team’s fightback. First, he formed a brisk partnership with Arif — who was later retired due to injury.
Following that, Inzamam-ul-Haq was joined by all-rounder Azhar Mehmood, and together they formed a crucial 50-run partnership which eventually lifted them out of trouble.
The match got intense in the last over, with Legends XI still needing 22 runs. Despite the pair’s valiant knocks, their team fell short by a narrow margin.
Inzamam-ul-Haq remained unbeaten from 46 off 23 balls, whereas Mahmood scored 34* off 14 deliveries.
For Peshawar Zalmi, Muhammad Irfan and Babar Azam scalped two wickets apiece, while Salman and Zulfiqar Babar took one each.
Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi were bowled out for 144 in 14.4 overs despite a solid start from their openers.
Yasir Hameed and Babar Azam starred with the bat, both scoring vital runs for their team.
Babar scored 41 off 23 balls, whereas Hameed made 35 from 18 deliveries.
For Legends XI, Shahid Afridi and Abdul Rehman picked up three wickets each, while Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez managed to scalp two apiece.
The charity fixture, organized in collaboration with the Directorate General of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the provincial government, was held under the slogan “Khel Se Khidmat” (Service through Sports).
All proceeds from ticket sales were being directed towards flood relief and rehabilitation projects in the province.
Since the monsoon began in late June, Pakistan floods have affected several regions of the country. The death toll from the Pakistan floods has crossed 800 in the past week.
In light of this tragedy, Peshawar Zalmi and a Legends XI side faced off today in a high-profile charity clash, uniting current stars and former greats on the field for a cause that stretches far beyond cricket.
