Peshawar Zalmi defeated Islamabad United by six wickets Friday, bolstered by a significant batting partnership that helped chase down a modest target in the Pakistan Super League. The match, the 22nd of the PSL 2025 season, was played in Lahore.
United batted first and struggled to build momentum against disciplined Peshawar Zalmi bowling. They were limited to 143 for nine wickets in their 20 overs.
Mohammad Ali led the Zalmi attack, taking three wickets for 26 runs. Alzarri Joseph and Ahmed Daniyal also claimed wickets, contributing to United's lower-than-expected total. Sahibzada Farhan top-scored for United with 36, while Ben Dwarshuis added 33 runs late in the innings.
Zalmi's chase began poorly, losing three wickets in the powerplay overs, including opener Kyle Mayers' early strike and the dismissal of Saim Ayub. Zalmi were 38 for three, creating an opening for United.
However, Maaz Sadaqat and Babar Azam combined for a 102-run partnership that shifted the momentum back to Zalmi.
Both batsmen reached half-centuries. Sadaqat scored 55 runs from 33 balls, while Babar remained unbeaten on 53 runs from 49 deliveries, guiding the chase.
The partnership saw Zalmi regain control, reducing the required run rate. Although Naseem Shah dismissed Sadaqat shortly before the end, Max Bryant finished the match, reaching the target with 20 balls remaining.
This win helps Peshawar Zalmi's playoff prospects. For Islamabad United, this marks their second consecutive defeat after a run of wins, though they remain positioned high in the league standings. United captain Shadab Khan left the field during the match due to an apparent hip injury.
