ISLAMABAD: Peshawar Zalmi are ready to take on Karachi Kings in the second match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) cricket tournament later today after drafting Bhanuka Rajapaksa, an attacking left-handed batter from Sri Lanka.
Each team has won a PSL title before, though Kings may have a psychological advantage since the contest will be held at the National Stadium Karachi.
Zalmi have an impeccable track record of qualifying for playoffs in every PSL season while Kings failed to impress with their performance last year by only recording one victory in 10 matches.
“[Sri Lankan] Powerhouse @BhanukaRajapak3 joined #Zalmi Camp in Karachi and is looking all set to make his debut for Peshawar Zalmi tonight,” the Peshawar team management announced in a Twitter post.
Pakistan’s national cricket team captain Babar Azam will lead Peshawar Zalmi while the rival side will be spearheaded by left-arm leg spinner Imad Wasim.
Both squads will start their PSL title chase this year with some of the best Twenty20 players, and the outcome of the match will largely depend on how they manage to handle pressure during today’s contest.
The PSL championship was launched in the United Arab Emirates in February 2016 since some international cricket stars were reluctant to play in Pakistan due to security reasons.
Ever since, the tournament has gained immense popularity in and around the country and found massive viewership among South Asians around the world.
Peshawar Zalmi won the championship in 2017 while Karachi Kings earned the title in 2020.
