LAHORE: In-form Babar Azam’s scintillating century and Arif Yaqoob’s sensational fifer propelled Peshawar Zalmi to a thrilling eight-run victory over Islamabad United in the 13th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine on Monday night.
Setting a daunting target of 202 runs, Peshawar Zalmi’s bowlers showcased remarkable resilience, restricting Islamabad United to 193/9. This victory marks Peshawar’s third consecutive win in the tournament.
Initially, Islamabad United appeared to be on track for victory, propelled by a stellar fourth-wicket partnership between Colin Munro and Azam Khan. However, Arif Yaqoob’s extraordinary four-wicket haul in the 19th over tilted the momentum decisively in Peshawar’s favour.
Yaqoob’s exceptional performance etched his name in PSL history as the first bowler to claim four wickets in a single over, culminating with remarkable figures of 5/27.
Babar Azam Takes Peshawar Zalmi to 201 Against Islamabad United
Earlier winning the toss, Islamabad United invited Zalmi to bat first. Both the openers, Babar and Saim Ayub, were in good touch and imitated a fine start for the side. Both provided 77 runs partnership for the side in just 7.2 overs before Saim Ayub was dismissed by Agha Salman; Saim scored 38 runs while facing just 21 balls. His innings included three boundaries and two sixes.
After the dismissal of Saim Ayub, the pacers and spinners of Islamabad United bounced back in the game and took some quick wickets. The skipper of United, Shadab Khan, took two quick wickets to dismiss Muhammad Haris for two and Haseebullah for a duck.
After Haseebullah, number five batter Paul Walter managed to stay on the crease for a while; however, he was also removed by Shadab Khan to a beautiful throw on 19. Walter was followed by Rovman Powel, who was dismissed by Naseem Shah on 8.
At the stage, Peshawar Zalmi was 114 for 4 in 13.1 overs. Despite losing wickets from one end, the skipper Babar Azam, who also completed his brilliant half-century and then moved ahead to add further crucial runs for the team, remained solid on the crease.
Powel was replaced by Asif Ali. However, it was Babar Azam who dominated Islamabad United till the end. Meanwhile, he smashed his terrific hundred on just 59 balls, including 12 fours and 2 sixes. Babar stayed on the crease till the last ball and remained unbeaten on 111. Asif Ali was not out on 17. Peshawar Zalmi scored 201 in 20 overs to place a tough target for United.
From Islamabad United, Shadab Khan was the leading wicket-taker, 2 for 28, while Naseem Shah and Agha Salman took one wicket each.
The king did it once again, but this time in Lahore 💯👑#ZalmiYama #YellowStorm #KhyberEdition #HaierXZalmi #Haier #MadeToWin #PZvIU #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/JTfBaIr10C
— Peshawar Zalmi (@PeshawarZalmi) February 26, 2024
