Peshawar Zalmi emerged victorious against Islamabad United by 8 runs in the 13th match of the ongoing Pakistan Super League, featuring an electrifying display of Babar Azam’s batting brilliance.
Winning the toss, United opted to bowl first on a spin-friendly pitch. However, Saim Ayub and Babar Azam seized control, forging a commanding opening partnership of 77 runs, with Azam contributing a rapid 38 off 21 balls.
Azam’s monumental innings of 111 not out off 63 deliveries stole the spotlight, marking his second PSL century and 11th in T20 cricket history.
United’s captain, Shadab Khan, stood out in the bowling department with figures of 2-28 in his allotted four overs.
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In reply, Islamabad initially struggled, losing early wickets and finding themselves at 73-3. However, a dynamic partnership between Azam Khan and Colin Munro revitalized their chase. Azam Khan blazed his way to 75 runs off just 30 balls, while Munro anchored the innings with a well-crafted 71 runs.
The match took a dramatic turn in the penultimate over, as Arif Yaqoob’s spin wizardry resulted in four wickets, making him the first bowler to claim a fifer in PSL season 9.
With 19 runs needed off the final over, Islamabad fell short, unable to overcome Zalmi’s total, thanks to a resilient bowling effort by Salman Irshad.
Babar Azam rightfully earned the man of the match award for his unforgettable batting performance.
