PSL X Match-22: Peshawar Zalmi Crush Islamabad United by 6 Wickets

Lahore — Peshawar Zalmi bounced back in style to defeat Islamabad United by six wickets in the 22nd match of the Pakistan Super League’s 10th edition, held at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Chasing a modest target of 144 runs set by Islamabad United, Zalmi cruised to victory in 16.4 overs, courtesy of commanding half-centuries by skipper Babar Azam and emerging talent Muaz Sadaqat.

Zalmi’s run chase got off to a poor start as openers Mitchell Owen and Saim Ayub were dismissed for 6 and 1 run, respectively. Mohammad Haris followed shortly after, scoring just 12 runs. With the score at a precarious 38 for 3, Babar Azam and Muaz Sadaqat stepped up to anchor the innings and build a match-defining partnership.

Together, the duo added 102 runs, taking the game away from United. Muaz Sadaqat impressed with a brisk 55 off just 33 balls before falling to Naseem Shah at the team score of 140. Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 53, guiding his side over the finish line alongside Max Bryant, who contributed 4 not out.

From Islamabad’s bowling unit, Kyle Mayers, Ben Washingus, Naseem Shah, and Riley Meredith each managed to claim a wicket, but they struggled to contain Zalmi’s momentum in the middle overs.

Earlier, Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan won the toss and opted to bat first. Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Kyle Mayers gave the side a steady start, adding 58 runs for the first wicket. Farhan top-scored with 36 off 35 balls before being dismissed by Ahmed Daniyal.

The middle order, however, failed to capitalize, with a series of quick dismissals derailing the innings.

Kyle Mayers was removed for 18 by Mohammad Ali, while Agha Salman (4), Shadab Khan (15), Colin Munro (11), Saad Masood (1), and Azam Khan (8) could not build on the platform. Imad Wasim was run out for 10, leaving the side reeling at 124.

Ben Washingus provided a late flourish with a vital unbeaten 33 off 17 deliveries, helping Islamabad post 143 before the final wicket fell — Naseem Shah dismissed for 1 by Hussain Talat.

Mohammad Ali led the Zalmi bowling attack with 3 wickets for 26 runs in four overs. Luke Wood, Alzarri Joseph, Ahmed Daniyal, Saim Ayub, and Hussain Talat chipped in with a wicket apiece, contributing to a disciplined bowling effort.

Despite the defeat, Islamabad United remain at the top of the points table with five wins out of seven matches. Peshawar Zalmi, on the other hand, have now secured only two victories from seven games and continue to occupy the fifth spot on the table.