Peshawar Zalmi beat Islamabad United by 8 runs. In a gripping showdown at the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine, Peshawar Zalmi clinched a nail-biting victory against Islamabad United, marking their third consecutive triumph in the competition.
The 13th fixture witnessed a clash of titans as Babar Azam and Arif Yaqoob propelled Peshawar to a thrilling win with their stellar performances.
Peshawar Zalmi, opting to bat first, set a formidable target of 202 runs, showcasing their batting prowess from the outset. Despite a rocky start, with early wickets tumbling, Babar Azam’s masterful century stood out as the cornerstone of their innings.
Supported by a quickfire partnership with Asif Ali, Babar’s unbeaten knock of 111 runs off just 63 balls laid a solid foundation for Peshawar’s imposing total.
In response, Islamabad United commenced their run chase with determination but faced consistent setbacks, courtesy of Peshawar’s disciplined bowling attack.
However, the game took a dramatic turn with a resilient partnership between Colin Munro and Azam Khan, propelling Islamabad back into contention.
Azam Khan’s explosive innings, featuring 75 runs off a mere 30 deliveries, injected renewed hope into Islamabad’s pursuit of victory.
Yet, the pendulum swung once more in Peshawar’s favor with Arif Yaqoob’s sensational bowling display in the penultimate over.
Yaqoob’s historic feat of claiming four wickets in a single over not only halted Islamabad’s momentum but also etched his name in PSL history books. His figures of 5/27 underscored his pivotal role in securing Peshawar Zalmi’s triumph.
Ultimately, Islamabad United’s valiant effort fell short as they failed to chase down the target, ending with a total of 193/9.
Despite spirited performances from Munro and Azam Khan, Peshawar’s collective effort, led by Babar Azam‘s exceptional century and Yaqoob’s bowling heroics, proved decisive in securing the victory.
As Peshawar Zalmi beat Islamabad United by 8 runs, the encounter between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United captivated cricket enthusiasts with its rollercoaster of twists and turns, showcasing the intensity and competitiveness synonymous with the PSL.
