Peshawar– Peshawar Zalmi defeated Legends XI by 6 runs in a thrilling encounter played at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar. The exhibition game was held to raise funds for flood victims in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It also marked the first major game at the venue in nearly two decades, making the event historic for cricket lovers in the region.
Zalmi batted first and posted 144 runs. Captain Babar Azam played a classy knock of 41. Yasir Hameed added 35, while Aamir Barkat scored 24 valuable runs. The Legends XI bowling attack showed experience and skill. Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq claimed 3 wickets each. Mohammad Hafeez and Saeed Ajmal picked 2 wickets each.
Legends XI Fight but Fall Short
Chasing 145, Legends XI kept the crowd on edge. Inzamam-ul-Haq smashed 46 off just 23 balls. Azhar Mahmood contributed a quick 34. Despite their aggressive batting, the team fell short, finishing at 138 for 6 in 15 overs.
For Zalmi, Mohammad Irfan and Babar Azam struck with two wickets each. Salman Khan and Zulfiqar Babar took one apiece. Their disciplined bowling in the final overs sealed the narrow win.
Cricket, Charity, and Community Spirit
The charity match in Peshawar was more than a contest. It was a display of solidarity with flood-affected families. Notably, players from both sides refused to take match fees. Instead, they dedicated their participation entirely to the relief effort.
The game drew a large crowd to the stadium. Fans celebrated the return of top-level cricket to Peshawar after almost twenty years. The atmosphere was festive, with chants, music, and community spirit on full display. Commentary was provided by Tariq Saeed and Senator Faisal Javed, adding star power to the event.
The match was organized by Peshawar Zalmi in collaboration with the Directorate General of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the provincial government. Proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorship will go directly to support flood victims.
Lasting Impact
Observers noted that the charity match in Peshawar achieved more than fundraising. It brought communities together, honored the spirit of cricket, and highlighted the power of sports as a tool for social change. For many fans, the return of competitive cricket to the city was itself a victory.
