Peshawar Zalmi vs Karachi Kings Preview & Betting Tips - Kings backed for PSL success

By Nikhil Kalro

20 Feb 2024

Nikhil Kalro 20 Feb 2024

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Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi prepare for a head-to-head match after opening PSL losses.
Peshawar Zalmi showcases strong batting but lacked the strength to complete the chase in their first match.
Karachi Kings, with their balanced lineup of strong bowlers and batsmen, are favored to win.

Karachi Kings (Getty Images)

Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi, two teams that started their respective PSL campaigns with a loss, will face each other on double-header Wednesday in Lahore.

Every other team, apart from Lahore Qalandars, has got some points on the board to start the tournament.

Peshawar Zalmi Form

In the batting department, Karachi will rely on their steady openers in Shan Masood and James Vince.

Their batting gets increasingly powerful down the order with the likes of Shoaib Malik, Saad Baig and Kieron Pollard to help the allrounders. Malik started his season with a classy 53 off 35 balls, which included 5 fours and 2 sixes at a strike rate of 151.

Peshawar, on the other hand, were bossing their tournament opener at various stages but just didn’t have enough juice towards the end.

They were set a challenging 206 to win but aced their chase through their openers Saim Ayub and Babar Azam. Ayub scored 42 off 26 balls while Azam managed 68 off 42 balls.

They set a 91-run opening stand in just 52 balls but their powerful middle order, which included Mohammad Harris, Tom Kohler Cadmore and Rovman Powell, couldn’t get them across the line.

In the end, they fell short by 16 runs, but there was enough evidence to suggest that Peshawar’s batting will be a force to reckon with as this tournament progresses.

Karachi Form

Karachi were drubbed in their opener by a superior Multan Sultans team. Karachi conceded 185 for 2 and were then restricted to 130 for 8 in their chase.

Karachi will be looking to their spin-bowling department, which is one of the strongest in the PSL to get them ahead of the curve quickly. They also have Daniel Sams, Mir Hamza and Hasan Ali as fast-bowling options.

Peshawar Zalmi vs Karachi Kings Tips & Predictions

Peshawar’s batting against Karachi’s bowling will be the matchup in this contest. Peshawar will rely on the strength, depth and quality of their bowling while Karachi have plenty in their bowling attack to keep the Zalmi quiet.

However, on the other end, Karachi’s batting seems quite reliable while Peshawar’s bowling has several holes, including the lack of experience. While Aamer Jamal has some recent international experience, not too many others have played much at the national stage.

Peshawar’s batting also relies heavily on Babar Azam to provide steady results. Karachi Kings seem to have a more well-rounded line-up, which is why we would back them to win this one.