Match 27 of the Pakistan Super League 2025 brings a crucial contest as Peshawar Zalmi (PES) take on Karachi Kings (KAR) at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. With playoff spots on the line, both teams are expected to bring their best game in this late-season thriller.
Match Details
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Fixture: Peshawar Zalmi vs Karachi Kings, Match 27, PSL 2025
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Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
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Date and Time: May 8, 2025 – 8:30 PM PKT
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Live Coverage: PTV Sports, A Sports, Tamasha App, Daraz
Pitch Report – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
The Rawalpindi pitch is known for its batting-friendly surface with true bounce and short boundaries. High-scoring encounters are common, and chasing has proven advantageous due to dew in night games. Bowlers will need early breakthroughs to stay in the contest.
Head-to-Head Record
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Matches Played: 21
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Peshawar Zalmi Wins: 15
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Karachi Kings Wins: 6
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No Result/Tied: 0
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Win Percentage: Zalmi lead with a 71.43 percent win rate
Zalmi have historically dominated this fixture, winning 15 of the 21 games played. However, Karachi have managed impressive wins in recent seasons, adding spice to this rivalry.
Team Overviews
Peshawar Zalmi
Zalmi have been among the more consistent sides in PSL 2025, led by the dependable Babar Azam. With a blend of youth and experience in both departments, Zalmi will look to continue their strong record against Karachi.
Key Players:
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Babar Azam – Leading run-scorer and team anchor
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Saim Ayub – Explosive top-order batter
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Salman Irshad – Strike bowler with pace and bounce
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Aamer Jamal – Versatile all-rounder
Probable Playing XI:
Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Rovman Powell, Asif Ali, Aamer Jamal, Wahab Riaz, Noor Ahmad, Salman Irshad, Arif Yaqoob
Impact Player: Haseebullah Khan
Karachi Kings
Karachi Kings have been inconsistent but remain in contention for playoffs. With experienced players like David Warner and Khushdil Shah, they can turn the game around on their day. Their bowling, led by Abbas Afridi and Mir Hamza, is a key strength.
Key Players:
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David Warner – Game-changer at the top
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Khushdil Shah – Effective all-rounder
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Abbas Afridi – Wicket-taker in crunch moments
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Mir Hamza – Left-arm threat with the new ball
Probable Playing XI:
David Warner, James Vince, Shoaib Malik, Khushdil Shah, Irfan Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Akhlaq (wk), Abbas Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, Zahid Mahmood
Captain: Imad Wasim (fitness dependent) or Khushdil Shah
Impact Player: Anwar Ali
Notable Past Clashes
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April 21, 2025: Karachi won by 2 wickets in a nail-biter, with Abbas Afridi earning Player of the Match
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February 21, 2024: Karachi chased 154 with ease, powered by Mir Hamza’s early breakthroughs
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June 24, 2021: Peshawar thrashed Karachi in the final by 47 runs to lift the trophy
Match Prediction and Scenarios
If Peshawar Bats First
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Powerplay Score: 55–65
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Total: 190–200
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Predicted Winner: Peshawar to defend the target
If Karachi Bats First
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Powerplay Score: 50–60
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Total: 175–185
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Predicted Winner: Peshawar to chase it successfully
Final Verdict: Peshawar Zalmi are favorites to win, based on current form, home conditions, and superior head-to-head record. However, Karachi’s potential to pull off upsets makes this a must-watch encounter.
