LAHORE: Abdul Samad and Michael Bracewell launched blistering cameos for Peshawar Zalmi, propelling them to a five-wicket win over HBL PSL debutants Rawalpindiz in the afternoon match of the first double-header of the tournament here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
The destructive 64-run partnership between Bracewell (35 not out, 17b, 3x4s, 2x6s) and Samad (33, 11b, 1×4, 4x6s) off just 23 balls set the tone for Zalmi to register the fifth-highest successful run chase in HBL PSL history and the highest target scaled down at the Gaddafi Stadium in all T20s.
The two were paired at the crease following the loss of the fourth wicket, when Zalmi still required a further 85 runs for victory off 35 deliveries.
The 16th, 17th and 18th overs of the chase then fetched Zalmi a combined tally of 53 runs with the help of six sixes as Rawalpindiz bowlers failed to prevent the duo’s stunning power-hitting exhibition.
Samad’s dismissal at the end of a Mohammad Amir over that cost 19 runs ignited some hopes of a comeback for Rawalpindiz, but Aamir Jamal (17 not out, 5b, 2x4s, 1×6) soon punished Naseem Shah in the proceeding over to haul his side over the line.
BRIEF SCORES:
Rawalpindiz 214-4, 20 overs (Yasir Khan 83, Mohammad Rizwan 41, Kamran Ghulam 37, Daryl Mitchell 23; Ali Raza 2-42)
Peshawar Zalmi 218-5, 19.1 overs (Mohammad Haris 47, Babar Azam 39, Michael Bracewell 35 not out, Abdul Samad 33, Aamir Jamal 17 not out; Amad Butt 2-45)
Player of the match – Michael Bracewell (Peshawar Zalmi)
