Peshawar Zalmi emerged victorious in a nail-biting encounter against Islamabad United, securing their third consecutive win in PSL 9 with an eight-run triumph at Gaddafi Stadium. Skipper Babar Azam’s sensational unbeaten century and a remarkable bowling performance by Arif Yaqoob propelled Zalmi to another thrilling victory.
Match Summary:
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Peshawar Zalmi got off to a flying start with Babar Azam and Saim Ayub laying a solid foundation at the top. Despite losing a few quick wickets in the middle overs, a late onslaught by Asif Ali and Babar propelled Zalmi to a formidable total of 201-5 in their allotted 20 overs.
Chasing a challenging target of 202 runs, Islamabad United displayed commendable resilience led by Azam Khan and Colin Munro. However, a sensational bowling spell by Arif Yaqoob, who claimed five wickets including four in one over, turned the game in Zalmi’s favor as they successfully defended their total.
Key Performances:
- Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi): Babar’s sublime century, comprising 111 runs off just 63 balls, laid the foundation for Zalmi’s imposing total. His aggressive batting display, characterized by 14 boundaries and two sixes, proved to be the cornerstone of Peshawar’s innings.
- Arif Yaqoob (Peshawar Zalmi): Arif’s exceptional bowling spell turned the tide in Zalmi’s favor as he claimed five crucial wickets, including a remarkable four-wicket haul in one over. His stellar performance with the ball earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award.
- Azam Khan (Islamabad United): Azam Khan’s explosive innings of 75 runs off just 30 balls provided Islamabad with a glimmer of hope in their chase. His aggressive batting display, including six boundaries and as many sixes, kept United in the hunt until the latter stages of the match.
Turning Point:
- Arif Yaqoob’s sensational bowling spell, particularly his four-wicket over, proved to be the turning point of the match. His remarkable feat tilted the balance in Zalmi’s favor, ultimately leading them to victory.
Impactful Bowling:
- Apart from Arif Yaqoob’s match-winning performance, Salman Ali Agha and Shadab Khan contributed with crucial wickets for Islamabad United. However, their efforts were overshadowed by Zalmi’s strong batting display.
Conclusion:
Peshawar Zalmi’s thrilling victory over Islamabad United showcased their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Babar Azam’s magnificent century and Arif Yaqoob’s exceptional bowling spell were the defining moments of the match, highlighting Zalmi’s all-round strength in the tournament.
Player of the Match:
Babar Azam’s sensational century earned him the prestigious Player of the Match award for his outstanding performance with the bat.
Next Fixture:
The action continues with Multan Sultans taking on Lahore Qalandars at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, in what promises to be another exciting clash in PSL 9.
Leave a Reply