In their inaugural home match of the season at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Islamabad United faced off against Peshawar Zalmi. Skipper Babar Azam won the toss and elected to bowl first.
Skipper Shadab Khan delivered a stellar performance, leading from the front and crafting an impressive innings of 80 runs off 47 balls. Salman Ali Agha supported with a steady 37 off 25, forming a crucial 65-run partnership.
Shadab Khan also orchestrated a 68-run partnership with Jordan Cox, propelling Islamabad United to a formidable total and setting a challenging target of 197 runs.
Saim Ayub emerged as the standout bowler, delivering a superb spell during the powerplay and disrupting the top order by dismissing key batsmen Alex Hales and Colin Munro.
SEE FULL SCHEDULE — 2024 PSL Schedule: Fixtures for Pakistan Super League (PSL 9)
Peshawar Zalmi’s innings ended disastrously, losing Babar Azam in the very first over to Alex Hales, who found redemption after his earlier duck.
The momentum continued to swing in Islamabad United’s favor as Peshawar Zalmi lost five wickets quickly during the powerplay. The Shah brothers, Hunain Shah and Naseem Shah wreaked havoc with their impressive bowling.
Shadab Khan reached a significant milestone, claiming his 300th wicket in T20 cricket and finishing with bowling figures of 3-41 in his allotted four overs.
Aamer Jamal showcased remarkable power hitting, scoring 87 runs off 49 balls, with Paul Walter providing support with 33 runs off 29 deliveries.
Hunain Shah and Rumman Raees chipped in with two wickets each, contributing to Islamabad United’s crucial victory.
With this win, Islamabad United secured their third victory of the PSL 9 season, rising to third place in the standings. Shadab Khan was rightfully awarded the man of the match for his outstanding all-round performance.
