In a thrilling encounter at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, Peshawar Zalmi emerged victorious against Islamabad United in Match 13 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) on Monday, thanks to an outstanding performance by Babar Azam.
Winning the toss, Islamabad United elected to bowl first, putting Peshawar Zalmi into bat.
Peshawar Zalmi showcased an impressive batting display, amassing a formidable total of 201 runs for the loss of five wickets in their allotted 20 overs. The star of the innings was none other than Babar Azam, who played a scintillating unbeaten knock of 111 runs off just 63 balls. Saim Ayub and Paul Walter also made valuable contributions with 38 runs and 19 runs, respectively.
Shadab Khan was the standout bowler for Islamabad United, claiming two crucial wickets for 28 runs in his four-over spell. Salman Ali Agha and Naseem Shah complemented the bowling effort, each securing one wicket.
With a target of 202 runs to chase, Islamabad United’s innings promised excitement. Azam Khan led the charge with a spectacular inning of 75 runs in just 30 balls, providing hope for a successful run chase. Colin Munro added to the excitement with his innings of 71 runs in 53 balls.
However, the Peshawar Zalmi bowlers had other plans. Arif Yaqoob delivered a stellar performance, taking five wickets for 27 runs in his four overs, dismantling the Islamabad United batting order. Saim Ayub and Luke Wood also chipped in with one wicket each, contributing to the team’s overall bowling success.
Despite the valiant efforts of Azam Khan and Colin Munro, Islamabad United fell short of the target, finishing at 193 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their 20 overs. Peshawar Zalmi celebrated a well-deserved victory, with Babar Azam rightfully earning the accolades for his match-winning century.
Babar Azam’s remarkable innings not only secured the win for Peshawar Zalmi but also solidified his reputation as one of the most prolific batsmen in the cricketing world. The fans at Gaddafi Stadium were treated to a spectacular display of cricket, and the PSL 9 continues to deliver thrilling moments as teams battle for supremacy in this highly competitive league.
