LAHORE: Islamabad United posted a modest total of 144 runs in their 20 overs against Peshawar Zalmi in a must-win encounter at Gaddafi Stadium, as the Pakistan Super League heads into its decisive phase.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, United openers Sahibzada Farhan and Kyle Mayers provided a cautious yet steady start. The pair reached 30 without loss within the first four overs, with Mayers briefly lifting the tempo in the third over, bowled by Luke Wood, striking a six over square leg, followed by two well-placed boundaries.
However, the scoring rate slowed significantly during overs six to eight, with just 12 runs added and both batters appearing reluctant to take risks.
Ahmed Daniyal aims to get the job done, another chikka for the united front 🏏🤙#HBLPSLX I #ApnaXHai I #PZvIU pic.twitter.com/78asVK3ZOK
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) May 2, 2025
The innings began to unravel between overs 9 and 11, as United slumped from 62/1 to 75/3. Ahmed Daniyal made the initial breakthrough by dismissing a well-set Farhan for 36 with a mistimed drive to mid-off.
Mohammad Ali strikes
Mohammad Ali then struck in quick succession, removing Kyle Mayers for a subdued 18 as he holed out while attempting to go aerial.
Peshawar Zalmi tightened their grip on the match with a decisive double-wicket over from Mohammad Ali in the 14th, as he dismissed Colin Munro, who edged behind trying a backfoot drive, and Saad Masood.
Munro walked off reluctantly after a review upheld the on-field decision.
Wood with the heat, Haris with the grab 🧤
Azam Khan calls it a day 🙅🏻♂#HBLPSLX | #ApnaXHai | #PZvIU pic.twitter.com/MuAwPvzoOv
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) May 2, 2025
Despite the setbacks, Islamabad found a brief spark in the 18th over, adding 13 runs. However, they suffered the loss of Imad Wasim, who was run out following a mix-up in the middle.
Ben Dwarshuis showed some late aggression with a four and a six, but it was not enough to push the total into a more commanding range.
With 144 runs on the board, the onus is now on Islamabad United’s bowlers to defend the total. Peshawar Zalmi, who are chasing a playoff spot, appear in control of the contest and will be eager to capitalise.
