Peshawar Zalmi secured a convincing victory over Islamabad United in the HBL Pakistan Super League, thanks to 20-year-old Maaz Sadaqat’s explosive 55 off 33 balls and Babar Azam’s steady 53 not out. Despite a shaky start, Zalmi chased down 144 runs in just 16.4 overs. Islamabad’s innings ended at 143/9, with Sahibzada Farhan top-scoring at 36. Mohammad Ali excelled with the ball for Zalmi, taking 3 wickets for 19 runs. This defeat marked Islamabad’s second loss of the tournament, potentially impacting their top spot in the standings.
A stunning performance by 20-year-old Maaz Sadaqat, coupled with a solid half-century from Babar Azam, propelled Peshawar Zalmi to a convincing victory over Islamabad United in their HBL Pakistan Super League encounter on Friday in Lahore.
Zalmi’s innings began on a rocky note, losing both openers, Mitchell Owen and Saim Ayub, within the first two overs. Owen scored a quick 6 off just two balls before being dismissed by Kyle Mayers, while Ayub managed only one run before being bowled by Ben Dwarshuis.
Captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris sought to stabilize the innings, putting together 38 runs. However, Haris (13 off 12) fell just before the powerplay ended, caught by Naseem Shah off Jhye Richardson, leaving Zalmi in a challenging position.
Then came Maaz Sadaqat. The promising left-hander joined his captain at the crease and instantly changed the game’s momentum with his fearless batting. His 55 off just 33 balls, featuring 4 fours and 3 impressive sixes, not only rekindled the innings but also put Zalmi in a commanding position.
Babar Azam anchored the chase with a steady 53 Not Out off 49 balls, providing stability while Maaz continued to attack from the other end. Their partnership effectively sealed the match as Zalmi reached 144/4 in just 16.4 overs.
This loss means that United, while still at the top of the table, have now faced their second defeat of the tournament, which could jeopardize their chances of finishing first.
Earlier, opting to bat first after winning the toss, Islamabad United started strong but failed to capitalize, managing only 143/9.
United looked promising in the powerplay, thanks to a solid innings from Sahibzada Farhan, who top-scored with 36 off 35 balls, including four boundaries and a six. Along with Kyle Mayers (18 off 18), the duo provided early momentum before Zalmi’s bowlers struck back with crucial breakthroughs.
The downfall began with Mayers’ dismissal, caught by Alzarri Joseph off Mohammad Ali, who was the standout bowler with impressive figures of 3 for 19. Ali also dismissed Colin Munro (11) and Saad Masood (1), dismantling the middle order and slowing United’s scoring rate.
Skipper Shadab Khan tried to counterattack with a quickfire 15 off 8 balls, but his innings ended when he was caught by Maaz Sadaqat off Joseph. The wickets continued to fall, with Azam Khan (8), Salman Agha (4), and Imad Wasim (10) all going cheaply, with the latter being run out following a sharp piece of fielding from Babar Azam.
The only late resistance came from Ben Dwarshuis, who scored an unbeaten 33 off 17 balls, including three fours and two sixes, giving Islamabad something to defend on a pitch with variable bounce.
Islamabad’s innings concluded at 143/9 in 20 overs, as Zalmi’s bowling attack dominated throughout. Led by a brilliant spell from Mohammad Ali, the unit dismantled the batting order with excellent support from Ahmed Daniyal, Saim Ayub, Luke Wood, Alzarri Joseph, and Hussain Talat, each contributing a wicket to maintain the pressure.
Islamabad United XI: Shadab Khan (Captain), Kyle Mayers, Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Salman Ali Agha, Azam Khan (wk), Imad Wasim, Saad Masood, Ben Dwarshuis, Naseem Shah, Riley Meredith.
Peshawar Zalmi XI: Babar Azam (Captain), Mitch Owen, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Hussain Talat, Max Bryant, Maaz Sadaqat, Luke Wood, Alzari Joseph, Ahmed Daniyal, Mohammad Ali.