Zalmi bowlers outclass United to set up easy chase

Peshawar Zalmi put on a disciplined bowling performance to limit Islamabad United to 143-9 in their 20 overs during the 22nd match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

After electing to bat first, Islamabad United made a strong start with openers Sahibzada Farhan and Kyle Mayers forming a 50-run partnership. However, Zalmi struck back after the powerplay with Ahmed Daniyal dismissing Farhan for 36 (35), followed by Mohammad Ali removing Mayers for 18 (18), reducing United to 62-2.

The wickets continued to tumble as Saim Ayub dismissed Agha Salman cheaply, and skipper Shadab Khan’s brief counterattack (15 off 8) was cut short. Colin Munro (11) also fell quickly, leaving United at 89-4. Mohammad Ali returned to dismiss Saad Masood for 1, completing an impressive spell with 3-26.

The middle-order collapse continued as Azam Khan (8) fell to Luke Wood, and Babar Azam’s direct hit ran out Imad Wasim (10), curbing any late surge. Ben Dwarshuis was the lone bright spot at the death, scoring an unbeaten 33 off 17 balls to take United to a modest total of 143-9.

Zalmi’s bowlers were sharp and effective. Apart from Ali’s three wickets, Luke Wood, Alzarri Joseph, Ahmed Daniyal, Saim Ayub, and Hussain Talat each claimed a wicket. Their effort kept United under pressure throughout the innings.

Peshawar Zalmi will now look to chase down the target and secure vital points as the PSL 10 group stage heats up.