In one of the most exciting PSL matches this season, Islamabad United outclassed Peshawar Zalmi by 29 runs at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. Batting first, Islamabad posted a competitive total of 197/4 riding on captain Shadab Khan’s scintillating 80.
Following the cheap departures of openers Colin Munro and Alex Hales, Islamabad United got off to a shaky start. Shadab, however, effectively supported the innings with a 57-ball knock that included five fours and five sixes. Salman Ali proved to be a useful ally, scoring a noteworthy 37. Islamabad put produced a valiant score, helped in part by Jordan Cox’s quickfire 26.
In reply, Peshawar encountered early difficulties after losing half of their team for just eighteen runs. After taking two wickets apiece in the powerplay, Naseem Shah and Hunain Shah set off the collapse. For a four-ball duck, skipper Babar Azam also lost his life by pulling the brakes too late.
Aamir Jamal stood up at this desolate point, scoring a heroic 87, which included 6 sixes and 8 boundaries. To restore optimism, he and Paul Walter (33) put together a 107-run stand. But wickets kept falling, and Peshawar was only able to muster 167.
Shadab Khan was the main wrecker in the Islamabad United, taking three crucial wickets for 41 runs in his four overs. Hunain Shah and Roman Raees both added two strikes apiece. Jamal had a valiant knock, but Peshawar was defeated by 29 runs.
Team 1st Innings Score
- Islamabad United 197/4 (Shadab 80, Salman 37)
- Peshawar Zalmi 167/9 (Jamal 87, Walter 33)
With this victory, Islamabad cemented their position in the top half while Peshawar will aim to bounce back in remaining league matches.
Shadab Khan from Islamabad United
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Islamabad United got off to a poor start as openers Alex Hales and Colin Munro were dismissed for no scores. However, captain Shadab Khan came up with a magnificent innings and stabilized the innings.
Shadab scored 80 runs off just 51 balls laced with 5 fours and 5 sixes. His fighting knock helped Islamabad post a competitive total of 196 runs. Shadab and Salman Ali added 37 runs for the third wicket while Shadab and Jordan Cox contributed 26 runs for the fourth wicket stand.
Peshawar Zalmi Loses from Islamabad United
Peshawar Zalmi, chasing 197, lost their top order cheaply because to some outstanding bowling from Islamabad. In the opening over, Babar Azam, who was in form, was out for a duck.
Saim Ayub and Muhammad Haris, the opening batsmen, too struggled to get off to a strong start and were removed after just one run apiece. Peshawar was struggling at 18/5 during the powerplay.
Jamal’s Counterattacking innings
At this stage, Peshawar needed a big partnership to resurrect their innings. Aamir Jamal and Paul Walter joined hands to stem the rot. The duo stitched together a 107-run stand for the sixth wicket which gave Peshawar fans some hope.
Aamir Jamal was the more aggressive of the two, hammering 87 runs off just 49 balls with 8 fours and 5 sixes. However, with just over 20 runs needed, Shadab Khan dismissed Aamir to dent Peshawar’s chase. In the end, Peshawar fell short by 29 runs.
Shadab Khan – Islamabad United
Shadab Khan, the captain of Islamabad, was the best bowler with the ball, recording numbers of 3/41. His dismissals of Powell, Haris, and Jamal were instrumental in putting an end to Peshawar’s pursuit.
Naseem Shah and Hunain Shah, who bowled with velocity, also contributed early on by taking significant wickets. In the end, Islamabad United’s flawless teamwork was what gave them the priceless victory.
Also Read: Lahore Vs Karachi Match Sumamry
Congratulations Islamabad United
Amid edge-of-the-seat action, Islamabad United held their nerves to defeat Peshawar Zalmi by 29 runs. Captain Shadab led from the front with both bat and ball displaying top quality leadership. Islamabad now strengthened their position in the points table while Peshawar will aim to bounce back in their remaining league matches.
FAQs:
Q. How did Islamabad United fare in the match?
A. Islamabad United defeated Peshawar Zalmi by 29 runs thanks to disciplined bowling and captain Shadab Khan’s all-round brilliance.
Q. Why did Peshawar Zalmi lose the match?
A. Although Jamal scored a fine 87, Peshawar lost early wickets and fell short of the asking rate. They also failed to build partnerships besides the 6th wicket stand between Jamal and Walter.
Q. How did the two teams line up?
A. Islamabad United fielded the same playing XI while Peshawar made two changes, bringing in Muhammad Zeeshan and Tom Kohler-Cadmore in place of Naveen-ul-Haq and Haseebullah.
Q. What is the current league position of the two teams?
A. Islamabad United moved up to third place on the points table. Peshawar Zalmi remain in fifth position.
Join Our Insta Community
