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RAWALPINDI: Sahibzada Farhan’s sublime century and Imad Wasim’s three-wicket haul powered Islamabad United to a 102 runs victory against Peshawar Zalmi in the fifth match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.
In a tough chase for 244 runs, Zalmi fell short, bowled out for just 141 in 18.2 overs. The standout performer for Zalmi was wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, who slammed an impressive 87—his highest score in PSL history.
The innings got off to a disastrous start for Zalmi as skipper Babar Azam was sent packing for a mere one run in the second over, falling prey to Ben Dwarshuis. With that early loss, Zalmi was left reeling at 4 for 1.
Peshawar Zalmi were pegged back in the very next over, when Mitchell Owen was trapped LBW by Imad Wasim for 10, followed shortly by Saim Ayub, who managed just six runs. As a result, Zalmi were in a precarious position at the end of powerplay as they were 26 for 3.
Despite the early collapse, a brief resurgence came from a 41-run stand between Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Haris. However, that flicker of hope disappeared when Cadmore fell for eight, as Imad claimed his second wicket.
Haris kept fighting bravely, reaching a much-deserved half-century with an aggressive batting style. Unfortunately, he was left without support as wickets continued to tumble.
Hussain Talat contributed 13 runs, George Linde was dismissed for a duck, Alzarri Joseph managed just two, and Sufiyan Muqeem added only one run. By the 16th over, Zalmi was in dire straits at 130 for 8.
Haris’s remarkable innings came to an end as he was dismissed for 87 off 46 balls, effectively sealing Zalmi’s fate. The last wicket fell with Mohammad Ali scoring only three runs, as Islamabad United celebrated a convincing 102-run victory.
For Islamabad United, Imad Wasim was the pick of the bowlers, taking three for 26 in his four overs. Ben Dwarshuis, who was playing for the first time in PSL, and Shadab Khan supported him well with two wickets each.
Earlier, Sahibzada Farhan’s sublime century powered Islamabad United to a massive total of 243 against Peshawar Zalmi.
Islamabad United skipper Shadab Khan won the toss and opted to bat, which proved good for their batters as they hammered Zalmi’s inexperienced attack all around the park.
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United did not have the best of starts as their opener Andries Gous was run out, thanks to brilliant fielding from Tom Kohler-Cadmore.
Following the early wicket, Sahibzada and Colin Munro partnered to forge a massive 144-run partnership of 72 balls.
Sahibazada led the charge with his eye-catching knock of 106 runs off 52 balls. The right-hander struck 13 fours and five massive sixes in his first PSL century. His partner, Munro, was equally good with his 40 off 27 balls, striking six fours and one maximum.
Both batters were dismissed in the 13th over, giving Zalmi a glimmer of hope to restrict them under 200. However, the duo’s solid foundation was sufficient for the incoming batters, Salman Agha and Jason Holder, to finish strong.
Agha scored quick fire 30 off 15 deliveries, striking two fours and sixes, before being dismissed while Holder remained unbeaten on 20 off 11 deliveries, smashing two fours and one six.
For Peshawar Zalmi, Alzarri Joseph and Hussain Talat bagged two wickets.
PLAYING XIs
Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (cap), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Mitchell Owen, Hussain Talat, George Linde, Alzarri Joseph, Mohammad Ali, Sufiyan Muqeem, Ali Raza
Islamabad United: Andries Gous, Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Salman Agha, Azam Khan (wk), Shadab Khan (cap), Jason Holder, Imad Wasim, Saad Masood, Naseem Shah, Ben Dwarshuis.
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