PZ vs IU (Match – 22) – Highlights
In a must-win clash at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium on Friday evening, Peshawar Zalmi revived their playoff hopes in HBL PSL 9 with a commanding six-wicket victory over table-toppers Islamabad United, thanks to stellar half-centuries from captain Babar Azam and debutant Maaz Sadaqat. The 22nd match of the tournament witnessed a mature and composed chase by Zalmi, who successfully overhauled a modest 144-run target with 20 deliveries to spare, despite facing early setbacks.
Zalmi’s chase had a shaky beginning as Islamabad United’s bowlers struck thrice within the Powerplay. The reliable opening pair of Saim Ayub and Mitchell Owen departed for single-digit scores, while Mohammad Haris, attempting to counterattack, perished after a brief 13-run cameo that included a six and a four. With the score teetering at 38 for 3 in the sixth over, pressure mounted on Zalmi, threatening to derail their chase.
However, Babar Azam, PSL’s all-time leading run-scorer, and young left-hander Maaz Sadaqat rose to the occasion with a match-defining 102-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Babar showcased his trademark poise and technical brilliance, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 53 off 49 balls, peppered with four elegant boundaries and a well-timed six. Maaz, making his tournament debut, played with maturity beyond his years, crafting a fluent 55 from 33 balls, laced with four fours and three sixes, which lifted Zalmi out of trouble and into a dominant position. He eventually fell to a feather-edge caught behind off Naseem Shah in the 16th over. Fittingly, Max Bryant sealed the win with the final blow as Zalmi surged to a vital third win from seven games, staying firmly in contention for a playoff berth.
Earlier, Islamabad United, opting to bat first, got off to a bright start as Sahibzada Farhan and Kyle Mayers laid the foundation with a 58-run opening stand, accumulating 49 in the Powerplay. Farhan contributed a steady 36 off 35 balls, striking four boundaries and a six, while Mayers chipped in with 18 off 18. However, momentum soon shifted in Zalmi’s favour as Ahmed Daniyal removed Mayers, sparking a middle-order collapse. In a span of 5.2 overs, United crumbled, losing five wickets for just 33 runs.
The collapse was spearheaded by Mohammad Ali, who delivered a standout performance with the ball, registering figures of 4-0-26-3, dismantling the core of United’s batting. Contributions from the middle order remained underwhelming—Shadab Khan’s brisk 15 off 8 (featuring three boundaries) was short-lived, Colin Munro added 11 off 10, while Salman Agha, Azam Khan, and Saad Masood failed to reach double digits. However, Ben Dwarshuis, batting at No. 10, provided a late surge with a valiant 33 not out off 17 balls, smashing three sixes and two fours to elevate United to a competitive total of 143 for 9 in 20 overs.
Each of Zalmi’s bowlers played their part effectively, with all managing to take at least one wicket, while Ali’s incisive spell proved instrumental in limiting Islamabad. The collective bowling effort, coupled with the Babar-Maaz partnership, secured a timely and morale-boosting win for Peshawar Zalmi.
Peshawar Zalmi vs Islamabad United Scoreboard
Islamabad United – 143/9 (20.0)
Peshawar Zalmi – 147/4 (16.4)
Result – Peshawar Zalmi won by 6 wickets
Player of the match – Maaz Sadaqat
PZ vs IU Playing XIs
Peshawar Zalmi
Babar Azam (c), Mitchell Owen, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris, Maaz Sadaqat, Max Bryant, Luke Wood, Alzarri Joseph, Mohammad Ali, Ahmed Daniyal, Hussain Talat
Islamabad United
Shadab Khan (c), Sahibzada Farhan, Kyle Mayers, Colin Munro, Salman Agha, Azam Khan, Saad Masood, Imad Wasim, Ben Dwarshuis, Naseem Shah, Riley Meredith
Disclaimer: This match highlight is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
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