Islamabad United delivered a dominant performance to defeat Peshawar Zalmi by 102 runs in the fifth match of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 season at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Chasing a massive 244-run target, Zalmi crumbled under pressure, losing key wickets early and failing to build any substantial partnerships.
Opener Saim Ayub managed just 6 runs before falling to a sharp delivery from Naseem Shah, caught by substitute fielder Muhammad Shahzad. Captain Babar Azam’s stay at the crease was even shorter—he scored just 1 run from 3 balls before being dismissed by Dwarshuis.
Mitchell Owen briefly counterattacked with a quick 10 off 7 balls but was trapped lbw by Imad Wasim, who went on to orchestrate a top-order collapse.
Mohammad Haris was the lone warrior for Zalmi, smashing an impressive 87 off 47 deliveries. His knock featured 12 boundaries and 4 sixes at a blistering strike rate of 185.10. However, with no real support from the other end, the chase quickly unravelled.
Tom Kohler-Cadmore added 8 runs before being caught by Sahibzada Farhan off Imad’s bowling, who finished with three crucial wickets.
The rest of the Peshawar Zalmi batting line-up failed to contribute, and the team was bowled out for 141 in 18.2 overs.
Earlier, Islamabad United set a target of 244 runs for Peshawar Zalmi. Sahibzada Farhan smashed a dazzling 106 off just 52 balls as Islamabad United opted to bat first after winning the toss against Peshawar Zalmi.
Opening alongside Andries Gous, Farhan took charge early on, hammering 13 boundaries and 5 sixes at an explosive strike rate of 203.84. Gous, however, fell cheaply—run out for 0 in just the second over by sharp fielding from Saim Ayub and Tom Kohler-Cadmore.
Colin Munro supported the innings with a quickfire 40 off 27 deliveries, including 6 fours and a six, before edging one to Mohammad Haris off Joseph’s bowling.
Azam Khan contributed 16 off 9 balls before falling to Hussain Talat, who struck twice during the middle overs. Salman Ali Agha also dismissed Talat, who had looked dangerous with a rapid 30 off 15 balls, hitting 2 fours and 2 sixes.
Jason Holder remained unbeaten on 20 off 11, while Ben Dwarshuis scored a quick 18 off 6 balls, helping Islamabad United post 243 for the loss of 5 wickets.
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