Peshawar Zalmi edged past Islamabad United by a narrow margin of 8 runs in a pulsating encounter of the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) on Monday.
Chasing a hefty target of 202 runs set by Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United displayed valiant effort but ultimately fell short, ending their innings at 193 runs.
Despite a valiant fightback, their hopes were dashed by a phenomenal bowling spell from Peshawar Zalmi's Arif Yaqub.
Yaqub turned the tide of the match in his fourth over, claiming a remarkable four wickets, effectively derailing Islamabad's chase. This decisive spell proved to be the turning point, despite impressive individual performances from Islamabad's batting line-up.
Openers Azam Khan and Colin Munroki had laid a strong foundation for Islamabad with a formidable partnership of 106 runs. Khan, in particular, displayed exceptional power-hitting, scoring a blazing knock of 73 runs from just 30 balls, including five towering sixes. Colin Munro, too, provided valuable support with a well-paced 71 runs off 53 balls.
However, Yaqub's exceptional bowling, finishing with figures of 5 wickets for 27 runs in his four overs, proved too much to overcome for Islamabad.
Shadab Khan, Islamabad's captain, and Naseem Shah also chipped in with wickets, but it wasn't enough to secure victory.
Playing first, Peshawar Zalmi set a formidable target of 202 runs for Islamabad United to chase. Peshawar Zalmi took to the crease first and put up an impressive score of 201 runs for the loss of 5 wickets.
The highlight of Peshawar Zalmi's innings was the magnificent century by their captain, Babar Azam. Azam's century came off just 59 balls, showcasing his exceptional batting prowess and contributing significantly to his team's total. Notably, Babar Azam's century marks him as the second batsman to achieve this feat in PSL 9.
Captain Babar Azam’s remarkable innings saw him score 111 runs off 63 balls, anchoring Peshawar Zalmi's batting lineup with finesse. Supporting contributions came from Saeem Ayub with 38 runs, Paul Walter with 19 runs, and Ruomin Powell with 8 runs, remaining not out.
On the bowling front, Islamabad United's Shadab Khan made an impact by taking 2 crucial wickets, while Naseem Shah and Salman Agha each took 1 wicket, striving to contain Peshawar Zalmi's batting onslaught.
Earlier, Islamabad United's captain, Shadab Khan, made a strategic decision to field first after winning the toss.
Expressing his team’s approach, he emphasized their intention to adapt to the prevailing conditions and play accordingly. Despite a recent loss, Khan highlighted the positive aspects observed in their previous match, indicating their resilience and determination to bounce back.
Acknowledging the vibrant cricket culture in Lahore, the Islamabad United skipper expressed gratitude towards the passionate cricket fans whose unwavering support adds to the electrifying atmosphere of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
He expressed hope for continued backing from the Lahore crowd, drawing inspiration from the overwhelming support received by Babar Azam, captain of Peshawar Zalmi.
Babar Azam
On the other hand, Babar Azam, leading Peshawar Zalmi, shared his insights ahead of the anticipated match against Islamabad United. He commended the commendable performances of Saim Ayub and Ruman in recent games, underscoring their valuable contributions to the team's success.
Reflecting on their strategy, Babar Azam emphasized the significance of consecutive victories in bolstering team confidence. He pledged a wholehearted effort from his team, focusing on executing their game plan to perfection. Azam particularly lauded Saim Ayub's resilience and growth, urging him to embrace confidence and enjoy the game without overthinking.
Expressing nostalgia and gratitude towards Lahore's cricket enthusiasts, Babar Azam reminisced about his cherished memories associated with the city's cricketing heritage. As he gears up for his final match in Lahore, Azam expressed excitement and appreciation for the enduring support received from his hometown crowd, underscoring the profound bond between players and fans in the cricketing realm.
