Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings gear up for a crucial showdown on 17th May 2025, as both teams look to strengthen their playoff ambitions. Karachi Kings enters this fixture on a high after a morale-boosting win over Lahore Qalandars, while Peshawar Zalmi are eager to bounce back following a tough loss against Quetta Gladiators. The previous encounter between these two sides was a thriller, with Karachi clinching a last-over win. The Karachi team sits at 2nd position at the moment, with 5 wins in 8 matches and having already qualified for the playoffs. However, the Peshawar squad is seen struggling and this encounter will serve a pivotal role for the team if they want to continue with their PSL 2025 journey.
Live Streaming Info
Fans can catch the PZ Vs KK encounter live on Star Sports Network (India), Ten Sports (Pakistan), and Fox TV (UK). The match starts at 8:00 PM PST, 8:30 PM IST, 3:00 PM GMT.
Team Analysis
Peshawar Zalmi has been struggling to gain momentum in the latter half of the tournament. Their top order, featuring Babar Azam and Saim Ayub, has provided slow starts. Babar has failed to provide favourable starts and have often led to failure of utilization of powerplay due to his embarrassingly poor strike rate of below 100. Siam Ayub also has failed to dominate and these two stars have struggled to maintain foundational partnerships. However, the middle order remains consistent, with Max Bryant and Mohammad Haris stepping up during crucial phases.
Bowling-wise, Alzarri Joseph’s experience has been pivotal in guiding young talents like Nahid Rana and Mohammad Ali, who impressed with tight spells in their last outing. Sufiyan Muqeem left-arm spin has been effective during the middle overs, and he remains a key weapon, especially against Karachi’s right-heavy batting lineup. Similarly, Peshawar’s fielding efforts have been quite admirable in recent matches and this plays an important role in limiting the number of runs conceded per over.
On the other hand, Karachi Kings, meanwhile, are plagued by inconsistency. Their top order — led by James Vince and David Warner— has shown promise but failed to convert starts into match-winning knocks. Shan Masood’s experience remains crucial, while Saad Baig Akhlaq must provide the explosive edge in the powerplay. Karachi’s bowling department has dominated in recent games. Hasan Ali’s economical spells and Mir Hamza’s early breakthroughs have provided the Kings with an edge in the death overs. Abbas Afridi, a key bowler, needs to find form quickly, as his expensive spells have hurt the team’s momentum.
Match Insights and Conclusion
The game at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is expected to favor batters early on, with some turn available for spinners in the second half. For Peshawar, Babar Azam’s form and Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s control in the middle overs could decide the game. For Karachi, David Warner’s experience and Mirza Mehmood’s spin threat will be pivotal. Given recent form and momentum, Karachi enters as slight favorites, but the Pashtun squad have the firepower to cause an upset. A close contest is on the cards — don’t miss the action and scroll above to catch the PZ vs KK live!
