Peshawar Zalmi defeated Islamabad United by 6 wickets in the 22nd match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season X, played at Qaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore on Friday.
Babar Azam and debutant Sadaqat guide Zalmi to victory after early wobble; Islamabad United suffer second consecutive loss.
In a crucial Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 fixture, Peshawar Zalmi secured a much-needed win by six wickets against Islamabad United, thanks to a disciplined bowling display and a composed run chase led by Babar Azam and debutant Sadaqat.
After a shaky start in their pursuit of a modest target, Zalmi lost three wickets inside the powerplay, finding themselves in a difficult position early in the innings. However, the momentum shifted when Babar and Sadaqat came together to build a match-defining partnership.
The duo stitched a calm and methodical 100-plus stand, stabilising the innings and gradually taking control. Sadaqat, making his PSL debut, impressed with his temperament and shot selection. He paced his innings beautifully, showing maturity beyond his years. Babar, on the other hand, played his trademark game—solid at the start, before gradually opening up with elegant strokes, particularly his signature flicks through midwicket.
Earlier in the day, Zalmi’s bowlers set the tone with a tight and disciplined performance. Their collective effort restricted Islamabad United to a below-par total. Despite fielding four changes in their line-up, Islamabad couldn’t find the momentum that saw them win their first five games of the season.
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This result marks Islamabad United’s second straight loss, signalling potential concerns with their current team composition. They may now be prompted to return to their full-strength lineup in a bid to regain winning form.
For Zalmi, the victory is a vital one, reviving their campaign and boosting confidence ahead of the crucial upcoming fixtures.
