Peshawar Zalmi delivered a dominant performance in the qualifier of the 10th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League, defeating Islamabad United by a convincing margin of 70 runs at the National Stadium in Karachi. With this emphatic victory, Zalmi secured their place in the final, marking a record fifth appearance at this stage of the tournament and reinforcing their reputation as one of the most consistent sides in PSL history.
The match began with Islamabad United winning the toss and choosing to field first, a decision that initially seemed tactical but eventually backfired as Zalmi’s batting unit put together a formidable total. Opening the innings, captain Babar Azam once again led from the front, showcasing his class and composure in a high-pressure encounter. Alongside him, Mohammad Haris adopted an aggressive approach early on, setting the tone for what would become a high-scoring innings.
The opening pair quickly built momentum, taking full advantage of the powerplay restrictions. Within the first six overs, they had already accumulated a substantial score, putting Islamabad’s bowlers under pressure from the outset. Haris, in particular, played with intent, striking boundaries at will and keeping the scoreboard ticking at a rapid pace.
Islamabad eventually found a breakthrough shortly after the powerplay. Haris, who had contributed a quickfire 35 from just 16 deliveries, attempted to continue his attacking approach but was caught in the deep by Mark Chapman at long-off. Despite losing his partner, Babar Azam remained unfazed and continued to anchor the innings with remarkable control.
At the other end, Kusal Mendis joined Babar and provided valuable support. The duo stitched together a crucial partnership that not only stabilized the innings but also maintained a healthy scoring rate. Their understanding and coordination at the crease were evident as they rotated the strike effectively while also finding boundaries at regular intervals. Together, they added 84 runs for the second wicket, putting Zalmi firmly in command.
Mendis played an important supporting role, contributing a well-paced 41 off 26 balls, which included several elegant strokes to the boundary. His innings came to an end after a productive stand, but by that stage, the platform for a big total had already been established.
Babar Azam then shifted gears, transitioning from a steady accumulation phase to an aggressive finish. Having reached his half-century in a measured 38 balls, he accelerated significantly in the latter part of his innings. His next fifty came in just 19 deliveries, highlighting his ability to adapt to different match situations. The captain eventually completed a brilliant century, scoring 103 runs off 59 balls, an innings decorated with 12 fours and four sixes.
This performance not only powered his team to a commanding total but also elevated him to the top of the tournament’s run-scoring list, surpassing his teammate Mendis. His knock was widely regarded as the defining moment of the match, combining elegance with authority.
Despite losing a few wickets in quick succession during the closing overs, Zalmi had already built enough momentum to post an imposing total of 221 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. The late wickets did little to affect the overall impact of their innings, as the target remained highly challenging for the opposition.
For Islamabad United, captain Shadab Khan stood out with the ball, claiming three wickets while conceding 42 runs. Richard Gleeson also made a useful contribution by picking up two wickets. However, the bowling unit as a whole struggled to contain Zalmi’s aggressive batting approach.
In response, Islamabad United began their chase with intent. Openers Devon Conway and Sameer Minhas looked positive from the outset, putting together a quick partnership that provided early momentum. Within the first five overs, the pair had already added 58 runs, keeping their team in contention.
Conway, who played some attractive shots during his brief stay, scored 20 runs off 14 balls before being dismissed by Michael Bracewell. His departure marked the beginning of a slowdown in United’s innings, as they struggled to maintain the required run rate against a disciplined Zalmi bowling attack.
From that point onward, the pressure continued to mount on Islamabad United. While there were moments of resistance, the consistent fall of wickets and the increasing run rate made the chase more difficult with each passing over. Zalmi’s bowlers executed their plans effectively, ensuring that the opposition never fully recovered from the early setback.
The match ultimately concluded with Peshawar Zalmi securing a comprehensive victory, underlining their dominance in the contest. Their all-round performance, highlighted by Babar Azam’s outstanding century and a coordinated team effort, proved too strong for Islamabad United.
This win not only booked their place in the final but also reaffirmed their standing as one of the most formidable teams in the league’s history, capable of delivering under pressure and excelling on the biggest stage.