Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Peshawar Zalmi Live: Babar and Mendis Provide a Strong Start In Powerplay

Chasing a target of 146, Peshawar Zalmi began their second innings with composure and clinical intent, reaching 56/1 after 6 overs. Despite an early breakthrough for the Hyderabad Kingsmen, Zalmi’s captain Babar Azam ensured his side remained firmly in the driver’s seat. 

The second innings commenced with Babar Azam and Mohammad Haris looking to exploit the new ball. Haris provided an early spark, smashing a four and a six to race to 11 off just 6 deliveries. However, the Kingsmen's overseas recruit, Maheesh Theekshana, provided the vital breakthrough in the second over. He dismissed Haris to give Hyderabad a glimmer of hope.

Following the wicket, Kusal Mendis joined Babar Azam in the middle. The pair adopted a risk-free approach, focusing on strike rotation while punishing any loose deliveries. Babar, in particular, looked in sublime touch, stroking four boundaries to reach an unbeaten 22 off 14 balls by the end of the fifth over. His ability to find gaps through the cover and point region neutralized the Kingsmen's early bowling pressure.

At the other end, Mendis played a steadying role, contributing 2 sixes to keep the required run rate well under control. By the end of the powerplay, Zalmi had reached 56/1, requiring a further 90 runs.  

The Kingsmen bowlers, Hassan Khan and Maaz Sadaqat, struggled to find consistent breakthroughs, leaving the contest tilted heavily in Peshawar's favor.

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