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Lahore Qalandars stay afloat in PSL

Sharjah - Chasing a challenging total of 164, Peshawar Zalmi started off confidently with both the in-form openers playing shots freely.

Karachi Kings' loss against Quetta Gladiators provided Lahore Qalandars an opportunity to stay alive in Pakistan Super League and they grabbed it with both hands.
All-round performance by South African youngster Cameron Delport and brilliant fifty from Umar Akmal helped Lahore register a nail-biting four runs victory over one of the title contenders Peshawar Zalmi at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday. 
Chasing a challenging total of 164, Peshawar Zalmi started off confidently with both the in-form openers playing shots freely. Tamim Iqbal exchanged some words with fast bowler Ehsan Adil adding spice to the proceedings.
The bowling change worked for Lahore as Kevin Cooper was brought on and Mohammad Hafeez tried to play a lofted shot over mid-on. Azhar ran backwards and took a stunning catch to make 28 for one which could be the key moment in the match.
Leading scorer of the tournament Tamim was sailing smoothly and looked set for another big score but was dismissed cheaply as he tried to guide a ball from Delport. With both the openers back in the pavilion, it was a test of Peshawar's middle order to take the team home. Kamran Akmal and Shahid Afridi failed to play big innings and Peshwar were reduced to 95 for 4 in 12.2 overs.
David Malan played brilliantly and almost won the match for Peshawar but he was undone by Kevin Cooper after scoring 42 off 35 balls which included three sixes. Peshawar's hopes of winning the match died with the departure of Malan.
Mohammad Akram, Peshawar coach while talking to media after the match said: "We were on target and run rate never went out of control but credit goes to Lahore the way they fought back.
"You can't win everyday and we will try to learn from today's mistakes."
Lahore captain Azhar said: "We have ups and downs in the tournament. We played very poorly in first two matches. We were brilliant in the third match as we defeated Quetta Gladiators. Again we played better cricket today and edged past of the top teams Peshawar Zalmi.
"I hope the team will replicate this performance in the remaining matches."
Cameron Delport said: "It is a great experience to play in the PSL and boys are putting in their 100 per cent effort. We were unlucky in some games.
iaqat@khaleejtimes.com