Babar, Sadaqat Steer Zalmi to Commanding Victory over United

News Desk

Lahore: Peshawar Zalmi cruised to a dominant six-wicket win over Islamabad United in Match 22 of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10, courtesy of a composed half-century by captain Babar Azam and an explosive knock by emerging talent Maaz Sadaqat at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Chasing a modest target of 144, Zalmi recovered from early hiccups to reach the total in just 16.4 overs, with 20 balls to spare. While Zalmi’s top-order stuttered with early losses — Saim Ayub (1), Mitchell Owen (6), and Mohammad Haris (13) falling cheaply — the steady hand of Babar Azam (53 off 49) and the aggressive brilliance of Maaz Sadaqat (55 off 33) stitched a match-winning partnership.

Sadaqat, playing with remarkable flair for a rising star, smashed boundaries at will and ensured the required run rate never became a concern. Babar, calm and calculated, anchored the innings after three quick wickets, once again proving why he remains one of the most dependable batters in the tournament.

United’s bowling unit failed to capitalize on their early breakthroughs. While Kyle Mayers (1-28), Ben Dwarshuis (1-23), Naseem Shah (1-24), and Riley Meredith (1-30) picked up a wicket each, they struggled to contain the flow of runs in the middle overs. Spin duo Imad Wasim and Agha Salman remained wicketless.

Earlier, Islamabad United, having elected to bat first, failed to convert a promising start into a competitive total. Sahibzada Farhan top-scored with 36 off 35 balls, while Ben Dwarshuis played a useful late cameo, scoring an unbeaten 33 off 17 with two sixes and three fours. However, the rest of the batting faltered, and United were held to 143 for 9 in 20 overs.

Peshawar’s bowling attack showed impressive discipline, led by Mohammad Ali’s clinical 3-26. Support came from across the lineup, with each of the six other bowlers chipping in with a wicket apiece — showcasing Zalmi’s depth and balance.

With this win, Peshawar Zalmi strengthens their position on the points table, while Islamabad United are left to reassess their middle-order struggles and bowling execution under pressure.

Key Performers:

Maaz Sadaqat – 55 (33) | Player of the Match

Babar Azam – 53 (49)

Mohammad Ali – 3/26

Next Fixtures

Zalmi will look to carry forward this momentum in their next outing, while United face mounting pressure to bounce back quickly in the remaining fixtures of PSL 10.