In a gripping HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) encounter on Friday, Peshawar Zalmi’s bowlers delivered a masterclass, bundling out Islamabad United for a modest 143/9 in 20 overs. The disciplined bowling attack, led by Mohammad Ali’s fiery spell, turned the game on its head after United’s promising start.
United’s Early Promise Fades
Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, Islamabad United began confidently, with Sahibzada Farhan anchoring the innings. Farhan’s steady 36 off 35 balls, laced with four boundaries and a six, gave United a solid platform during the powerplay. Kyle Mayers chipped in with a quick 18 off 18, but Zalmi’s bowlers soon tightened the screws.
The tide turned when Mohammad Ali struck, dismissing Mayers with a sharp catch by Alzarri Joseph. Ali’s relentless accuracy saw him finish with an impressive 3 for 19, removing key batsmen Colin Munro (11) and Saad Masood (1) to trigger a middle-order collapse.
Zalmi’s Bowlers Take Control
Islamabad’s hopes rested on skipper Shadab Khan, who launched a brief counter-attack with 15 off 8 balls. However, his aggressive knock was cut short when he skied one to Maaz Sadaqat off Joseph’s bowling. The wickets continued to fall, with Azam Khan (8), Salman Agha (4), and Imad Wasim (10) unable to provide stability. A brilliant run-out by Babar Azam accounted for Wasim, further denting United’s chances.
Ben Dwarshuis provided late fireworks with an unbeaten 33 off 17 balls, smashing three fours and two sixes to push United to 143/9. Despite his heroics, the total seemed underwhelming on a pitch offering assistance to bowlers.
Mohammad Ali Shines for Zalmi
Mohammad Ali was the star for Peshawar Zalmi, breaking the backbone of United’s batting with his pace and precision. Supported by Ahmed Daniyal, Saim Ayub, Luke Wood, Alzarri Joseph, and Hussain Talat, each of whom claimed a wicket, Zalmi maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings.
Line-Ups
Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (c), Kyle Mayers, Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Salman Ali Agha, Azam Khan (wk), Imad Wasim, Saad Masood, Ben Dwarshuis, Naseem Shah, Riley Meredith.
Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (c), Mitch Owen, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Hussain Talat, Max Bryant, Maaz Sadaqat, Luke Wood, Alzarri Joseph, Ahmed Daniyal, Mohammad Ali.
With Islamabad United restricted to a chaseable total, Peshawar Zalmi will fancy their chances to capitalize with the bat and secure a crucial victory in this PSL blockbuster.
