Babar Azam<\/a>, Pakistan\u2019s modern batting maestro, and Inzamam-ul-Haq, the legend of yesteryears, carried the hopes of their respective sides.<\/p>\nBatting first, Zalmi posted 145 runs, with Babar Azam scoring 41 and Yasir Hameed adding 35.<\/p>\n
For Legends Eleven, Shahid Afridi and Abdul Rahman rolled back the years, taking three wickets each.
Chasing, Legends Eleven fought hard as Inzamam rolled back memories with a classy 47-run knock, supported by Azhar Mahmood\u2019s 34.<\/p>\n
But Zalmi held their nerve, sealing a thrilling 8-run victory.<\/p>\n
The sight of Shoaib Akhtar and Waqar Younis steaming in to bowl once again and the crowd erupting at every boundary or wicket highlighted cricket\u2019s timeless magic.<\/p>\n
A collective effort beyond the boundary<\/p>\n
The match wasn\u2019t just about cricketing stars. The event brought together political leaders, dignitaries, and fans from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.<\/p>\n
PCL COO Salman Naseer, Provincial Minister for Sports Syed Fakhar Jehan, and other provincial ministers were present, underlining the significance of the occasion.<\/p>\n
Javed Afridi, Chairman of Peshawar Zalmi, played a pivotal role in organizing the match. He thanked the KP government, the cricketing legends, and most importantly, the fans, whose passion turned the match into a roaring success.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was not just cricket; it was a message of hope and unity for those suffering,\u201d Afridi said.<\/p>\n
Extending solidarity across borders<\/p>\n
The humanitarian spirit extended beyond Pakistan\u2019s borders. Through the Zalmi Foundation, Javed Afridi announced a donation of 10 million rupees for victims of the devastating earthquake in Afghanistan.<\/p>\n
Expressing solidarity, he shared, \u201cWe stand with our Afghan brothers in this difficult time and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cricket as a beacon of hope<\/p>\n
For the flood victims, the proceeds and support from this event were more than financial aid \u2014 they were a reminder that the nation stood with them. For the fans, it was proof of cricket\u2019s unmatched power to bring joy even in challenging times.<\/p>\n
And for the world, it was a testament to how sport, when used for the right cause, can bridge divides and heal wounds.<\/p>\n
The Peshawar charity match will be remembered not only as the city\u2019s grandest cricket carnival in nearly two decades, but also as a shining example of how cricket continues to inspire, uplift, and give back to the people of Pakistan.<\/p>\n
A carnival after 19 years<\/p>\n
The Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar turned into a festival ground as thousands of fans filled the stands for the charity match between Peshawar Zalmi Eleven and Legends Eleven.<\/p>\n
For a city that hadn\u2019t hosted such a grand cricketing spectacle in 19 years, the event was nothing short of historic. Cheers of \u201cPakistan Zindabad\u201d echoed across the venue, symbolizing both resilience and unity.<\/p>\n
Despite rain earlier in the day, the ground staff worked tirelessly to ensure play was possible. The dedication of those behind the scenes reflected the larger purpose of the event \u2014 to stand firm in the face of adversity.
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