Peshawar Zalmi’s bowlers staged a brilliant comeback, restricting Islamabad United to a below-par total of 143/9 in their HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) clash on Friday.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Islamabad United got off to a flying start but failed to capitalise, ultimately managing only 143/9.
United looked well poised in the powerplay, thanks to a composed innings by Sahibzada Farhan, who top-scored with 36 off 35 balls, including four boundaries and a six. Alongside Kyle Mayers (18 off 18), the pair provided early momentum before Zalmi’s bowlers clawed back with timely breakthroughs.
The collapse began with Mayers’ dismissal, caught by Alzarri Joseph off Mohammad Ali, who proved to be the standout bowler with figures of 3 for 19. Ali also removed Colin Munro (11) and Saad Masood (1), dismantling the middle order and stalling United’s scoring rate.
Skipper Shadab Khan attempted to counter-attack with a brisk 15 off 8, but his cameo ended when he holed out to Maaz Sadaqat off Joseph. The wickets kept tumbling, with Azam Khan (8), Salman Agha (4), and Imad Wasim (10) all falling cheaply, the latter run out by a sharp piece of fielding from Babar Azam.
The only late resistance came from Ben Dwarshuis, who smashed an unbeaten 33 off 17 balls, including three fours and two sixes, giving Islamabad something to bowl at on a surface offering some grip and variable bounce.
Islamabad’s innings closed at 143/9 in 20 overs, as Zalmi’s bowling attack dominated throughout. Led by a superb spell from Mohammad Ali, the unit dismantled the batting lineup with strong support from Ahmed Daniyal, Saim Ayub, Luke Wood, Alzarri Joseph, and Hussain Talat, each claiming a wicket to keep the pressure on.
Islamabad United XI: Shadab Khan (Captain), Kyle Mayers, Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Salman Ali Agha, Azam Khan (wk), Imad Wasim, Saad Masood, Ben Dwarshuis, Naseem Shah, Riley Meredith.
Peshawar Zalmi XI: Babar Azam (Captain), Mitch Owen, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Hussain Talat, Max Bryant, Maaz Sadaqat, Luke Wood, Alzari Joseph, Ahmed Daniyal, Mohammad Ali.
