Rawalpindi, April 14, 2025 – Sahibzada Farhan lit up the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium with a scintillating 106 off 52 balls, powering Islamabad United to a formidable 243/5 against Peshawar ZalmiIslamabad United faces Peshawar Zalmi in thrilling fifth PSL 2025 match. Winning the toss and electing to bat, United unleashed a batting masterclass, led by Farhan’s breathtaking knock.
Farhan, opening with Andries Gous, was unstoppable from the outset, smashing 13 fours and 5 sixes at a strike rate of 203.84. Gous, however, departed for a duck in the second over, run out by a sharp effort from Saim Ayub and Tom Kohler-Cadmore. Undeterred, Farhan found an able partner in Colin Munro, who blazed 40 off 27 balls with six boundaries and a six before edging Alzarri Joseph to keeper Mohammad Haris.
Azam Khan chipped in with a brisk 16 off 9, while Hussain Talat’s fiery 30 off 15—featuring two fours and two sixes—kept the momentum soaring. Talat fell to Salman Ali Agha, who stifled Zalmi’s fightback. Late fireworks from Jason Holder (20* off 11) and Ben Dwarshuis (18 off 6) ensured United set a daunting target of 244.
Zalmi’s bowlers struggled to contain United’s onslaught, with Joseph and Talat claiming a wicket each but proving costly. United tweaked their lineup, introducing Saad Masood and Dwarshuis for Riley Meredith and Muhammad Shahzad, a move that paid dividends.
Zalmi’s chase now rests on Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, and their deep batting order, but Farhan’s heroics have set a steep challenge. Will Zalmi rise to the occasion, or will United’s bowlers defend this mammoth total? The stage is set for a thrilling showdown.
