With eight points from as many matches, Peshawar Zalmi currently occupy fifth place on the points table in the 2025 Pakistan Super League. Here’s how they can still qualify for the playoffs.
Peshawar have won three of their last five games but find themselves in a precarious situation with eight points and two matches still to play.
Their net run rate of -0.082 - the worst among all teams in contention - is a concern, but they would hope to win their last two games to keep their hopes of a top-four berth alive.
Who will PZ play next?
May 8: vs Karachi Kings
May 9: vs Lahore Qalandars
pos
team
Q
Quetta Gladiators
2
Islamabad United
3
Karachi Kings
4
Lahore Qalandars
5
Peshawar Zalmi
6
Multan Sultans
MP
w
l
nrr
pts
Form Guide
8
5
2
+0.906
11
W
A
W
W
W
8
5
3
+0.650
10
L
L
L
W
W
8
5
3
+0.433
10
W
W
L
W
L
9
4
4
+0.958
9
L
A
W
W
L
8
4
4
-0.082
8
W
W
L
W
L
9
1
8
-2.708
2
L
L
L
L
L
How can Peshawar Zalmi qualify for the PSL playoffs?
Peshawar have two matches left, against Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars. Both games are must-win encounters if they want to keep their fate in their own hands.
Karachi are currently third with 10 points from eight games, while Lahore have nine points from nine matches.
If Peshawar win both their remaining games, they will move to 12 points and secure a top-four finish without relying on other results, as Lahore, the fourth-placed team currently, can reach a maximum of 11.
Also Read: Why Mitch Owen's PSL to IPL move will not lead to a Corbin Bosch-like ban
Should Zalmi win against Karachi and lose against Lahore, they will finish on 10 points. They could be equal on points with one of Karachi and Islamabad (both on 10 points currently), depending on the results of their respective games. In such a case, net run rate will become the deciding factor. Peshawar's inferior net run rate compared to both Karachi and Islamabad, however, mean that a loss against Lahore could be fatal.
If Peshawar lose against Karachi and win against Lahore in their final match, it would deny the Qalandars a chance to reach 11 points, which would be enough for Peshawar to sneak into the playoffs.
A defeat in both matches would leave Peshawar stranded on 8 points. With all teams above them already on at least 9, such an outcome would end Zalmi’s playoff hopes.
In short, Peshawar's best chance is to defeat Lahore, which will take them above the opposition on points. It will also not bring NRR into the picture.
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