Sahibzada Farhan lit up the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium with a stunning century, propelling Islamabad United to a thumping 102-run victory over Peshawar Zalmi in Match 5 of the HBL PSL X – their biggest win in tournament history.

By PakPassion Staff (April 14, 2025)

This dominant performance, built around Farhan’s fireworks and a disciplined bowling effort, lifted the three-time champions to the top of the points table with back-to-back wins.

Farhan’s blistering 106 came off just 52 deliveries, including 13 fours and 5 sixes. His hundred, brought up in just 49 balls, equaled the record for the fastest century by an Islamabad United batter. It also marked his fourth T20 century of the year — a feat only four others have achieved in a single calendar year.

Colin Munro provided solid support, smashing 40 from 27 balls (6x4s, 1x6), and together with Farhan, stitched a 144-run stand off 72 balls for the second wicket — laying the foundation for a mammoth total.

Although Alzarri Joseph removed both Farhan and Munro in the 14th over, the momentum continued. Late cameos from Salman Ali Agha (30 off 15) and Jason Holder (20* off 11) pushed United to 243/5 — their second-highest total in PSL history and the highest of this season so far.

In reply, Zalmi faltered early, losing three wickets inside the first four overs. Saim Ayub, coming off a half-century, fell to Naseem Shah, while skipper Babar Azam was caught behind off Ben Dwarshuis, looking to find form.

Despite a brave effort from Mohammad Haris, who hammered 87 off just 47 balls (12 fours, 4 sixes), the rest of the batting lineup collapsed under pressure. Imad Wasim starred with the ball, claiming 3 for 26, while Dwarshuis and Shadab Khan picked up two wickets each.

Zalmi were bundled out for 141 in 18.2 overs, falling well short of the target. This heavy defeat leaves them languishing at the bottom of the table with two losses.