Rawalpindi:
In the 20th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9, Islamabad United secured a 29-run victory over Peshawar Zalmi at Pindi Cricket Stadium. Chasing a formidable target of 197 runs set by Islamabad United, Peshawar Zalmi struggled, losing half their team for just 18 runs. Captain Babar Azam fell victim to a run-out, and Saeem Ayub and Mohammad Haris managed just one run each, while Tom Koehler Cadmore and Romain Powell departed without scoring.
However, Aamir Jamal and Paul Walter staged a remarkable rescue effort, stitching together a crucial 107-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Aamir Jamal’s blistering knock of 87 runs, embellished with 6 sixes and 8 fours, along with Walter’s contribution of 33 runs, kept Peshawar Zalmi in the game. Despite their efforts, Peshawar Zalmi fell short, ending their innings at 167 for 9.
On the bowling front, Islamabad United’s captain Shadab Khan led the charge with 3 dismissals, while Roman Raees claimed two wickets. Haneen Shah and Naseem Shah also chipped in with two and one wicket respectively.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Islamabad United faced an early setback as Alex Hales was dismissed on the very first ball, courtesy of Saeem Ayub’s bowling. Colin Munro followed suit, departing after scoring 15 runs. However, Shadab Khan anchored the innings with a responsible knock of 80 runs off 51 balls, steering his team to a substantial total.
Contributions from Salman Ali Agha (37 runs), Jordan Cox (30 runs), and Azam Khan (29* runs) bolstered Islamabad United’s innings. Saeem Ayub claimed two wickets for Peshawar Zalmi, while Luke Wood and Salman Irshad secured one dismissal each.
In terms of lineup changes, Peshawar Zalmi made three substitutions, with Mohammad Zeeshan, Aamir Jamal, and Tom Koehler Cadmore replacing Naveen-ul-Haq, Asif Ali, and Haseebullah respectively. Both teams fielded formidable lineups, with Islamabad United featuring Shadab Khan, Colin Munro, Alex Hales, and others, while Peshawar Zalmi included Babar Azam, Aamir Jamal, Paul Walter, and more.
In their previous encounter, Peshawar Zalmi had clinched victory over Islamabad United by 8 runs.
