PSL 2024 (Game 13) – Peshawar Zalmi vs Islamabad United
Peshawar Zalmi pulled off yet another stunning victory, this time against Islamabad United in a nail-biting eight-run win. Led by Babar Azam’s scintillating century and Arif Yaqoob’s sensational four-wicket over, Zalmi secured their second consecutive win in as many days, marking their third triumph in the last four matches.
Babar Azam’s masterful innings of 111 not out off just 63 deliveries, embellished with 14 fours and two sixes, formed the cornerstone of Zalmi’s imposing total of 201 for 5. Babar’s resilience, coupled with crucial contributions from Saim Ayub, Paul Walter, and Asif Ali, led Zalmi to finishing with a formidable score.
Islamabad United tried their best to pull through, with their opening pair of Jordan Cox and Colin Munro providing a fiery start, laying a solid foundation for the chase. Despite losing Cox early, skipper Shadab Khan and Agha Salman’s dismissals posed initial setbacks. However, Colin Munro’s explosive batting, complemented by Azam Khan’s aggressive strokeplay, placed United in a commanding position with their 100 run partnership. Yet, the game witnessed a dramatic twist as United suffered a catastrophic collapse, losing six wickets for just 12 runs in the final overs, derailing their chase.
Arif Yaqoob emerged as the hero for Peshawar Zalmi, wreaking havoc in the penultimate over with a sensational four-wicket haul, including the crucial scalp of Colin Munro. Yaqoob’s remarkable spell of 5 for 27 turned the tide in Zalmi’s favor, sealing an improbable victory for the team.
Chief Scores:
Peshawar Zalmi – 201 for 5 in 20 overs (Babar Azam 111*, Saim Ayub 38, Paul Walter 19, Shadab Khan 2 for 28, Salman Ali Agha 1 for 25, Naseem Shah 1 for 32)
Islamabad United – 193 for 9 in 20 overs (Azam Khan 75, Colin Munro 71, Salman Ali Agha 14, Arif Yaqoob 5 for 27, Saim Ayub 1 for 24, Luke Wood 1 for 37)
