Peshawar Zalmi defeated Islamabad United by 10 runs

 Islamabad United failed to chase down the target of 206 runs despite the brilliant innings of 85 runs by young Azam Khan 

Peshawar Zalmi defeated spirited Islamabad United by 10 runs to gain two precious points and increases its chances to make it to the play offs. The victory takes Zalmi to third position on the points table with 10 points. Peshawar made 206 runs in 20 overs and set the target of 207runs for Islamabad United.

Azam Khan Azam Khan made spirited 85 off 45 balls and Rahmanullah Gurbaz struck 19-balls 46 runs and brings United close to victory. But Peshawar bowlers turn the tables on United in last four overs.  

Some exceptional death bowling from Zalmi’s captain Wahab Riaz and Salman Irshad helped them restrict Islamabad United to 196-7 to earn a 10-run victory.

United openers replicated the innings of Zalmi’s openers as they went berserk from the word go. Gurbaz was especially merciless as he piled up 46 runs off just 19 balls hitting five sixes and three fours. Mudassar Khan also scored 21 runs off 19 balls while Danish Aziz went for a duck.

However, Azam Khan kept the match interesting with his power hitting but could not find support from other end as only Asif Ali was other batsman who could enter in double figures making just 11 runs off 12 balls. Azam’s 85 included seven sixes and six boundaries.

For Zalmi, Salman Irshad took 3-29 and Wahab Riaz 2-26 while Hussain Talat (1-30) and Ben Cutting (1-37) were also among wickets. Usman Qadir conceded 41 runs in his two overs and Liam Livingstone 32 in his 2 overs.

Earlier, new batting sensation Muhammad Haris Thursday surprised all yet again with his hurricane innings as Peshawar Zalmi reached 206 runs for 8 wickets against Islamabad United. Pakistan Under-19 wicketkeeper-batsman is definitely another find of the PSL this year and holds a lot of promise for Pakistan’s cricketing future.

After electing to bat first, Zalmi off to a whirlwind start courtesy to the explosive batting of the youngster as they reached 74-1 in the first power play. Haris made another joint-fastest fifty of the PSL on just 18 balls. Haris' 50 off 18 balls are the third fastest this season with Jason Roy and Tim David.

While Hazratullah Zazai was a mere spectator on the crease and when he got out in the sixth over he could score only 13 runs off 12 balls hitting two boundaries. Haris made 70 runs off 32 balls that included five sixes and seven fours.

Yasir Khan was next to go after playing a 24-ball 35 runs innings, hitting two sixes and three fours. Shoaib Malik kept the pace of the innings intact by scoring 38 runs off 23 balls. He hit two sixes and as many boundaries.

Faheem Ashraf was the most successful bowler for United with three wickets conceding 33 runs. Waqas Maqsood took two wickets for 34 runs. Marchant de Lange (1-32), Liam Dawson (1-34) and Zahir Khan (1-35) were also among wickets while Muhammad Musa conceded 33 runs in his two overs.

                                                                           Sports Desk