PSL 11: Peshawar Zalmi crush Islamabad United to secure final spot
By Nawaz Gohar ; Peshawar Zalmi have qualified for the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 after defeating Islamabad United by 70 runs in the Qualifier.
Chasing a formidable target of 222 at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, Islamabad United’s batting lineup crumbled, getting bowled out for 151 runs. Sameer Minhas top-scored for United with 44 runs, followed by Mohsin Riaz (25), Imad Wasim (22), and Devon Conway (20). Captain Shadab Khan managed only 6 runs, while other notable failures included Haider Ali (8) and Faheem Ashraf (1).
For Zalmi, Aaron Hardie led the bowling attack with 3 wickets, while Mohammad Basit and Sufiyan Muqeem claimed 2 wickets each. Michael Bracewell and Khurram Shahzad chipped in with one wicket apiece.
Earlier, after being put into bat by Islamabad United, Peshawar Zalmi posted a massive total of 221/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Babar Azam was the star of the show, smashing a brilliant 103 runs. He was well-supported by Kusal Mendis (41) and Mohammad Haris (35).
Shadab Khan was the pick of the bowlers for United with 3 wickets, while Richard Gleeson took 2. With this victory, Peshawar Zalmi has reached the PSL final for the fifth time, making them the team with the most final appearances in the league’s history.
Despite the defeat, Islamabad United remains in the tournament. They will have another chance to reach the final when they face the winner of Eliminator 1 in Eliminator 2.
