Liam Livingstone's unbeaten half-century wasn't quite enough for his debut for Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League to end in victory, as they were defeated by his former team Karachi Kings.

The Barrovian struck 54 not out off 29 balls to top-score for Zalmi, who ultimately fell ten runs short of the Kings' imposing 201-4 at the National Stadium in Karachi.

The PSL is the third overseas T20 competition Lancashire all-rounder Livingstone has taken part in during the winter, following stints in South Africa's Mzansi Super League and Australia's Big Bash League.

His first match for Peshawar brought him up against the side he played for in the tournament last year in the Kings, who were put in to bat after the visitors won the toss.

It was a decision their captain Darren Sammy was made to regret as their attack was taken apart by opener Babar Azam, who struck a superb 78 off 56 deliveries that included seven fours and two sixes.

He was ably backed up in a third-wicket partnership worth 97 by Karachi skipper Imad Wasim, who added 50 off 30 balls to take the home side to a big total. Hasan Ali was the pick of the bowlers for Zalmi, but even his 2-52 came at a cost of 13 runs per over.

Livingstone opened for Perth Scorchers in the recent BBL, but he batted at five for Peshawar and the onus was placed on his shoulders once Kamran Akmal was dismissed for a battling 43 off 26 deliveries to leave his side struggling on 81-4.

It looked even more hopeless when Liam Dawson (22) was caught behind off Mohammad Amir, but Sammy joined Livingstone at the crease and helped add 62 for the sixth wicket, striking 30 of them himself, to keep Zalmi's slim hopes alive.

But despite Livingstone blasting two fours and three sixes, their chase was unsuccessful, as Chris Jordan and Umaid Asif each took two wickets for the Kings.