Shafaqna Pakistan: The Qualifier of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 ended in a dominant performance as Peshawar Zalmi defeated Islamabad United at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium on Tuesday.
Batting first, Zalmi posted a strong total of 221 for 7 in their 20 overs, driven by a brilliant century from Babar Azam. In reply, Islamabad United were bowled out for 151 in 18.4 overs, falling significantly short of the target.
With this win, Zalmi have secured a place in the PSL 11 final. Islamabad United, however, remain in contention and will get another chance when they face the winner of the first eliminator—played on Wednesday between Multan Sultans and Hyderabad Kingsmen—in Friday’s second eliminator.
Zalmi’s batting
Zalmi’s innings was built around a commanding knock from Babar Azam, who anchored the innings with 103 off 59 balls, striking 12 fours and four sixes. His innings marked his fourth century in PSL history and set the tone for a dominant total.
He was initially supported by Mohammad Haris, who played a blistering cameo of 35 off 16 deliveries, helping Zalmi race to 72 in the powerplay phase. Following Haris’s dismissal, Babar stitched together a crucial 84-run partnership with Kusal Mendis.
Mendis contributed a fluent 41 off 26 balls, maintaining the momentum through the middle overs before falling in the 15th over. A brief wobble saw Zalmi lose quick wickets, including Michael Bracewell and Abdul Samad, but Babar continued to dominate the scoring.
His century came in the 18th over, underlining his control over the innings. Late contributions from Aaron Hardie, who added 20 off 10 balls, pushed the total beyond the 220 mark.
For Islamabad United, captain Shadab Khan led the bowling effort with figures of 3 for 42, while Richard Gleeson picked up two wickets.
United’s chase
Chasing a daunting 222-run target, Islamabad United never found sustained momentum. Early wickets disrupted their pursuit, despite brief resistance from key batters.
Devon Conway scored 20, while Sameer Minhas provided the most notable contribution with 44 off 23 balls. Mohsin Riaz added 25, but the middle order failed to capitalise on starts.
Captain Shadab Khan managed just six runs, and contributions from Mark Chapman, Haider Ali, and Faheem Ashraf were limited as wickets fell at regular intervals. Imad Wasim’s 22 offered some late resistance, but the mounting required rate proved insurmountable.
Zalmi’s bowling unit delivered a disciplined performance, with multiple bowlers sharing wickets to ensure there was no recovery for United. The innings eventually folded at 151 in 18.4 overs, sealing a convincing win for Zalmi.
With this victory, Peshawar Zalmi moved into the PSL 11 final scheduled for 3 May in Lahore.
Source: Dunya News
