Peshawar Zalmi kept their PSL X playoff hopes alive with a convincing six-wicket win over table-toppers Islamabad United at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Chasing a modest 144, Zalmi recovered from 38-3 thanks to a match-winning 102-run partnership between Babar Azam (53 off 49)* and debutant Maaz Sadaqat (55 off 33).
Islamabad’s bowlers struck early, removing Saim Ayub, Mitchell Owen, and Mohammad Haris inside the Powerplay. However, Babar Azam (PSL’s all-time leading run-scorer) steadied the innings with a classy unbeaten half-century, his 34th in PSL history.
The star of the show was Maaz Sadaqat, who announced his arrival in style with a dazzling 55 off 33 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes). The left-hander took the attack to United’s bowlers before falling to Naseem Shah in the 16th over. Max Bryant sealed the win with 20 balls to spare.
Opting to bat, Islamabad United started steadily with Sahibzada Farhan (36 off 35) and Kyle Mayers (18 off 18) putting on 58 runs. However, the innings collapsed dramatically as Mohammad Ali (3-26) and Zalmi’s bowlers restricted United to 143-9.
-
Shadab Khan (15 off 8) and Colin Munro (11 off 10) failed to capitalize.
-
Ben Dwarshuis (33 off 17, 3 sixes)* provided late fireworks, but it wasn’t enough.
Key Takeaways
-
Player of the Match: Maaz Sadaqat (55 off 33 on debut)
-
Babar Azam’s composed 53* anchored the chase.
-
Mohammad Ali’s 3-26 stifled United’s batting.
With this win, Peshawar Zalmi stay in playoff contention, while Islamabad United suffered a rare setback.
Upcoming Fixture
-
Quetta Gladiators vs Islamabad United (March 9, 8 PM PKT)
Leave a Reply