Sammy sparks in Zalmi loss

SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates, (CMC):

Captain Darren Sammy's rearguard knock was not enough to save Peshawar Zalmi from their second straight defeat as they went down to Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard's Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League here yesterday.

Chasing 175 for victory at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Zalmi slumped to 69 for six in the 12th over before staging a stirring comeback to come up just short at 165 all out, with one ball remaining in the innings.

Sammy helped lead the rally, stroking 34 from 26 deliveries with a four and three sixes, in a 70-run seven-wicket stand with all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who slammed 54 off 28 deliveries.

Together, they had pulled Zalmi back into contention when Sammy perished in the 18th over, pulling an innocuous delivery from seamer Sohail Khan (3-28) to Gayle at short fine leg.

Once he departed, Afridi was left to carry the burden, but his dismissal in the final over ensured Kings' victory.

FAILED TO SPARK

Earlier, Kings rattled up 174 for four off their 20 overs, with Shoaib Malik top-scoring with 51 from 27 balls and opener Babar Azam hitting 46 from 38 deliveries.

However, Gayle yet again failed to spark, making 11 from nine balls at number three before holing out to a superb catch at long on by England's Eoin Morgan off off-spinner Iftikhar Ahmed in the 13th over.

Pollard faced just four balls at the end for his four not out.