HBL PSL X: Babar, Sadaqat star as Peshawar Zalmi beat Islamabad United by 6 wickets

Zalmi chased down 144 with 20 balls to spare, handing United their second consecutive defeat in the tournament.

A blistering knock from 20-year-old Maaz Sadaqat, combined with another composed half-century from Babar Azam, powered Peshawar Zalmi to a comprehensive win over Islamabad United in their HBL Pakistan Super League clash on Friday in Lahore.

Zalmi’s chase got off to a shaky start as they lost both openers, Mitchell Owen and Saim Ayub, within the first two overs. Owen blasted a quick 6 off just two balls before falling to Kyle Mayers, while Ayub managed just one run before being cleaned up by Ben Dwarshuis.

Captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris attempted to steady the innings, adding 38 runs. But Haris (13 off 12) perished just before the end of the powerplay, caught by Naseem Shah off Jhye Richardson, leaving Zalmi in a spot of bother.

Enter Maaz Sadaqat. The young left-hander, touted as a rising star, joined his captain at the crease and immediately shifted the momentum with fearless strokeplay. His 55 off just 33 balls, laced with 4 fours and 3 towering sixes, not only revived the innings but put Zalmi firmly in control.

Babar Azam anchored the chase with a composed 53 Not Out off 49 balls, ensuring stability at one end while Maaz went on the attack at the other. Their partnership took the game away from the opposition as Zalmi reached 144/4 in just 16.4 overs.

The defeat means United, still at the top of the table, have now suffered their second loss of the tournament, potentially hurting their chances of finishing first.

Earlier, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, Islamabad United got off to a flying start but failed to capitalise, ultimately managing only 143/9.

United looked well poised in the powerplay, thanks to a composed innings by Sahibzada Farhan, who top-scored with 36 off 35 balls, including four boundaries and a six. Alongside Kyle Mayers (18 off 18), the pair provided early momentum before Zalmi's bowlers clawed back with timely breakthroughs.

The collapse began with Mayers’ dismissal, caught by Alzarri Joseph off Mohammad Ali, who proved to be the standout bowler with figures of 3 for 19. Ali also removed Colin Munro (11) and Saad Masood (1), dismantling the middle order and stalling United’s scoring rate.

Skipper Shadab Khan attempted to counter-attack with a brisk 15 off 8, but his cameo ended when he holed out to Maaz Sadaqat off Joseph. The wickets kept tumbling, with Azam Khan (8), Salman Agha (4), and Imad Wasim (10) all falling cheaply, the latter run out by a sharp piece of fielding from Babar Azam.

The only late resistance came from Ben Dwarshuis, who smashed an unbeaten 33 off 17 balls, including three fours and two sixes, giving Islamabad something to bowl at on a surface offering some grip and variable bounce.

Islamabad’s innings closed at 143/9 in 20 overs, as Zalmi’s bowling attack dominated throughout. Led by a superb spell from Mohammad Ali, the unit dismantled the batting lineup with strong support from Ahmed Daniyal, Saim Ayub, Luke Wood, Alzarri Joseph, and Hussain Talat, each claiming a wicket to keep the pressure on.

Islamabad United XI: Shadab Khan (Captain), Kyle Mayers, Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Salman Ali Agha, Azam Khan (wk), Imad Wasim, Saad Masood, Ben Dwarshuis, Naseem Shah, Riley Meredith.

Peshawar Zalmi XI: Babar Azam (Captain), Mitch Owen, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Hussain Talat, Max Bryant, Maaz Sadaqat, Luke Wood, Alzari Joseph, Ahmed Daniyal, Mohammad Ali.