Skipper Babar Azam and PSL newcomer Maaz Sadaqat both struck half-centuries to guide Peshawar Zalmi to a vital six-wicket victory over table-toppers Islamabad United in the 22nd match at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Friday evening.

By PakPassion Staff (May 02, 2025)

Zalmi, securing their third win in seven games to stay in playoff contention, chased down the 144-run target with 20 balls remaining, despite being reduced to 38 for 3 inside six overs.

Islamabad United made early inroads during the Powerplay, dismissing openers Saim Ayub and Mitchell Owen for single-digit scores, while Mohammad Haris contributed 13 from 12 balls before falling cheaply.

Maaz Sadaqat then partnered with Babar Azam to rescue Zalmi, adding a crucial 102-run stand for the fourth wicket over 10 overs. Babar, the PSL’s leading run-scorer, finished unbeaten on 53 off 49 balls, including four boundaries and a six.

Sadaqat impressed with a fluent 55 from 33 deliveries (four fours, three sixes) before being caught behind off Naseem Shah in the 16th over. Max Bryant hit the winning runs for Zalmi.

For Islamabad, Kyle Mayers, Ben Dwarshuis, and Riley Meredith each took a wicket.

Earlier, Islamabad United chose to bat and started well, reaching 49 in the first six overs, but Zalmi’s bowlers tightened the screws to restrict them to 143 for 9 in 20 overs. Sahibzada Farhan (36 off 35) and Kyle Mayers (18 off 18) put on 58 before Ahmed Daniyal struck in the ninth over. United then lost five wickets for just 33 runs in the next 5.2 overs, with Mohammad Ali claiming three wickets.