Saim, Babar To Open; Ex-RCB Star Out: Peshawar Zalmi's Strongest XI For PSL 2025

Debashis Sarangi

Saim Ayub with Babar Azam [Source: @haidersa20/X]Saim Ayub with Babar Azam [Source: @haidersa20/X]

On Monday, Pakistan Super League franchise Peshawar Zalmi finalised their squad for the upcoming season of the tournament. The Zalmi secured the services of several impactful players, including Corbin Bosch, Nahid Rana, Max Bryant and Alzarri Joseph, in a grand event in Lahore. 

Regarding Peshawar Zalmi, the 2017 PSL champions have assembled a formidable squad and can give their opponents a run for their money. As they have finalised their team, let's analyse and find out their most potent combination for the PSL 2025. 

Top-Order: Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris

Peshawar Zalmi's top order is their biggest strength. While Saim Ayub and Babar Azam will open the batting, the dynamic Mohammad Haris will follow them at number three. Ayub and Babar form a solid opening pair, while Haris's scintillating stroke play will definitely be a plus for the side. These three batters can provide the Zalmi with a brisk start to their innings. 

Middle Order: Kohler-Cadmore, Najibullah Zadran, Hussain Talat

Tom Kohler-Cadmore has been a vital cog in Peshawar Zalmi's setup and will likely shoulder their middle order. The English batter will be accompanied by either Max Bryant or Najibullah Zadran. However, the Zalmi management might prefer the latter over the former due to his vast experience in international cricket. 

Hussain Talat, who can hit a long ball, will likely be Peshawar Zalmi's number six in the PSL 2025. In 158 T20 innings, Talat has amassed 3603 runs at an average of 31.06 and a strike rate of 126.28. His stroke play and game awareness will be crucial for Zalmi in the last two phases of the game. 

All-Rounder: Corbin Bosch

South Africa's emerging star Corbin Bosch, who grabbed the limelight through his pace and accuracy in the recently held series against Pakistan, will play as Peshawar Zalmi's primary all-rounder. Apart from scalping crucial wickets, Bosch can chip in with quick-fire cameos lower down the order. 

Bowlers: Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Ali, Nahid Rana, Sufiyan Muqeem

Sufiyan Muqeem recently starred with the ball for Pakistan in Zimbabwe T20Is, and he will likely lead their spin department with Mehran Mumtaz, who is hailed for his wily variations. On the other hand, Mohammad Ali, who bagged 19 wickets in 12 matches in PSL 2024, will spearhead Zalmi's pace battery with either Alzarri Joseph or Nahid Rana. However, considering Rana's rise as a fast bowler, Zalmi might prefer him over Joseph, who has represented teams like RCB in the IPL. 

Peshawar Zalmi's Strongest XI For PSL 2025

Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Haris (WK), Tom Kohler-Cadmore ✈️, Najibullah Zadran ✈️, Hussain Talat, Corbin Bosch ✈️, Mehran Mumtaz, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Ali, Nahid Rana ✈️