Dominant Kamran Akmal propels Peshawar into final
Opener's 27-ball 77 sets up huge total, before bowlers suppress Karachi's steady surge to give Peshawar an opportunity to defend their crown
Opener's 27-ball 77 sets up huge total, before bowlers suppress Karachi's steady surge to give Peshawar an opportunity to defend their crown
Commentator: Shashank Kishore
Over to the final on March 25 then. Hope you enjoyed our coverage. Hope to see you for the grand finale. Until then, this is Shashank Kishore and Akshay Gopalakrishnan saying goodbye.
11.30pm No home final for Karachi. Instead, Peshawar Zalmi will have an opportunity to defend their crown on Sunday at the National Stadium. The difference between both sides tonight: Kamran Akmal. Much-maligned in these parts of the world, but the impact he's had on Zalmi can't be understated.
Peshawar Zalmi had to win four games on a trot at one stage to get to the final and they did. Daren Sammy has literally hobbled on one leg for a better part of the last four days to lead them into the final. Can they cap off with the ultimate crowning glory on Sunday?
Time for the presentation:
Kamran Akmal , who smashed a 27-ball 77, PSL's fastest half-century, proved to be the X factor on the night. No surprises than that he's Player of the Match too. He started the tournament poorly, made three ducks along the way but boy, didn't he rev up when it mattered most? He receives the Hanif Mohammed cap from Younis Khan for being the highest run-getter in the tournament at the moment.
Peshawar Zalmi captain Daren Sammy: Akmal's partnership with Fletchee was exceptional. The guys have shown good character. The strength of this team is all of us stick together. Coming here, the support we had from the fans was amazing. Two exciting games, we couldn't have asked for more.
Karachi Kings' stand-in captain Mohammad Amir: Today was Kamran Akmal's day. Whatever he hit connected today. It would've been fun to play the final in Karachi. For now, we'll have to learn from our mistakes.
Kapil: "Hindsight is beautiful but Azam's innings actually lost Karachi the game. He starts off ridiculously slowly and keeping Ingram in hut and sending Azam was the poorest decision by Arthur. Remember they were chasing 171 in 16, not 20 overs. And in PP, overs 2-4, they scored only 12 runs"
faisal : "Champion Vs Champion, Ronchi Vs Kamran, Sami Vs Wahab, Sammy Vs Misbah The Most Suited Final For PSL2018 "
Hamza: "What a final there is going to be it will also be the contest between Kamran vs Ronchi for top scorer and Faheem vs Wahab for leading wickets."
Visakh: "Completely agree with Kapil. Babar faced nearly half of the 96 balls and got 63 runs.. other batsmen needed to get 107 runs off the other half balls left."
Hasan Ali on Zalmi's qualification: I returned to play after a month, it seems like I've found my rhythm back. Today, the way Kamran Akmal played, no praise is enough for him. He's been batting well all tournament. Third PSL in a row that he's contributed.
Soham Sarkhel says: "Having wickets in hand very much overrated in T20s. Karachi Kings failed to match up to the pace. A batsman has to keep taking the occasional risks, resources not fully utilised otherwise."
Sikendar: "Please someone bring Carlos Brathwaite."
Need a six off each and every delivery now.
Opener's 27-ball 77 sets up huge total, before bowlers suppress Karachi's steady surge to give Peshawar an opportunity to defend their crown