Peshawar Zalmi made a statement in the PSL playoffs with a dominant 70 run win over Islamabad United, booking their place in the final for the first time since 2019. The key to their victory was a masterful knock from Babar Azam, whose century led Zalmi to a commanding total of 221, followed by clinical bowling that dismantled United’s chase.
Babar, who has come a long way in his T20 development, played a crucial role in taking Zalmi past Islamabad’s total with his stylish century. Early in the innings, Mohammad Haris provided a fiery start, striking 35 runs off 16 balls during the powerplay. This gave Zalmi a strong foundation, setting the tone for Babar and Kusal Mendis to continue building on the momentum. Despite some tight bowling from Shadab Khan and others, the pair reached 68 in the first six overs, putting the pressure squarely on United’s bowlers.
The middle overs saw some resistance from United as they tried to stem the flow of runs. Shadab Khan’s tight bowling and Faheem Ashraf’s short delivery claimed Mendis’ wicket, but the damage had already been done. Babar accelerated his innings in the death overs, taking on Faheem and Richard Gleeson with a brutal assault, including a six that brought him to his century off just 57 balls. His celebration—a fist pump and a leap—highlighted the importance of the milestone. Aaron Hardie added some late fireworks, and Zalmi finished with a formidable 223.
In response, Islamabad’s chase started brightly with a fast start from Devon Conway and Sameer Minhas. The pair racked up 50 in just four overs, but Zalmi knew they had plenty of time. The breakthrough came when Michael Bracewell removed Conway, and Hardie followed up by dismissing Minhas, leaving United at 77 for 2 by the seventh over.
Hardie and Sufiyan Muqeem took charge from there, picking up crucial wickets in a devastating spell. Shadab Khan, Mark Chapman, and Haider Ali all fell to inspired bowling, reducing United to 151 all out. Zalmi’s bowlers made light work of the chase, and the win secured their place in Sunday’s final, where they will be a formidable opponent, brimming with confidence and form.
