In a PSL match, Islamabad United ended Peshawar Zalmi’s winning streak with a commanding 29-run victory in the 20th game of the Pakistan Super League season nine at the Pindi Cricket Stadium.
Under the leadership of Shadab Khan, Islamabad’s squad restricted Babar Azam and his team to a total of 167/9 after setting a challenging target of 196/4.
Check: PSL Points Table for Season 9 and Remaining Matches
Peshawar encountered difficulties right from the start of their chase, with Babar being dismissed for a golden duck due to a run-out by Alex Hales in the opening over bowled by Naseem Shah.
Continuing their early success, Naseem Shah removed Saim Ayub on the last ball of the over, while Mohammad Haris fell to Rumman Raees, leaving Peshawar reeling at 3-3.
Shadab Khan further tightened the screws in the last over of the Power Play by introducing Naseem’s brother, Hunain Shah, who clinched two crucial wickets – those of Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Rovman Powell.
Despite the early setbacks, Aamer Jamal and Paul Walter offered a glimmer of hope for Zalmi, forging a resilient sixth-wicket partnership during the chase. Aamer Jamal, particularly, dazzled the Rawalpindi crowd with an impressive 49-ball 87, which included six sixes and eight fours. Walter provided valuable support with a brisk 29-ball 30.
Shadab Khan emerged as the standout bowler for Islamabad, finishing with figures of 3/41, while Raees and Hunain Shah chipped in with two wickets apiece.
Opting to field first, Peshawar struck early as Saim Ayub dismissed Alex Hales on the very first ball. Despite Colin Munro’s quickfire start with a six and a four in the subsequent over, Ayub had the last laugh, dismissing him shortly after.
With Islamabad at 28-2 after three overs, Shadab Khan and Salman Ali Agha orchestrated a crucial 65-run partnership for the third wicket, stabilizing the innings. However, Salman Irshad’s breakthrough in the 11th over, dismissing Agha, halted their momentum.
Agha departed after a brave knock of 37 off 25 deliveries, featuring four boundaries and two sixes. Shadab Khan, though, continued his aggressive approach, forming another vital partnership with Jordan Cox, contributing 68 runs together in just 39 balls.
Shadab’s dynamic innings of 80 runs off 51 balls, embellished with 10 boundaries and six sixes, came to an end when Luke Wood claimed his wicket, with Islamabad’s total reaching 161 runs.
Azam Khan provided a late cameo, scoring an unbeaten 29 runs off 14 balls, guiding Islamabad to a commanding total of 196-4 in their allotted 20 overs. Cox remained unbeaten on 26 off 20 balls, with two boundaries and a six.
Saim Ayub led the bowling attack for Peshawar, finishing with figures of 2-15, while Wood and Irshad claimed a wicket each.