By: Abdul Ghaffar Khan
The fifth match of the 2025 Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 was played between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, and it turned out to be a one-sided affair. Islamabad United not only impressed with their powerful batting but also secured a dominant 102-run victory over Peshawar Zalmi, showcasing their brilliance in both departments.
Islamabad United’s captain Shadab Khan won the toss and decided to bat first, a decision that proved to be the turning point of the match. United’s batsmen were aggressive from the start. Opener Sahibzada Farhan was the hero of the match, playing a stunning knock of 106 runs off just 62 balls. His innings included 4 sixes and 12 fours, a clear display of his class and form.
Farhan was well supported by Colin Munro, who contributed 40 runs. Azam Khan scored 16, and Salman Agha made 30 before getting out. Towards the end, Jason Holder and Ben Dwarshuis added quick runs, bringing the total to a massive 243. Holder remained not out on 20, while Dwarshuis was unbeaten on 18.
Zalmi’s bowling performance was disappointing. Alzarri Joseph and Hussain Talat took two wickets each, but it was not enough to contain a target of over 240 runs. The Zalmi bowlers appeared off-line and lacked the strategies to counter Islamabad’s batting onslaught.
In pursuit of 243 runs, Peshawar Zalmi’s innings got off to a dreadful start. Babar Azam, who is the backbone of Zalmi, was dismissed for just 1 run. Saeem Ayub also managed only 6 runs. After that, Mitchell Owen (10), Tom Kohler-Cadmore (8), Hussain Talat (13), Alzarri Joseph (2), Sufyan Maqeem (1), Mohammad Ali (3), and George Linde (0) all fell cheaply.
The entire team depended on young wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Haris, who fought valiantly, scoring 87 runs. His knock included 7 sixes and 6 fours, but even his efforts couldn’t save the team from defeat.
Islamabad’s bowling was a display of complete and tactical brilliance. Imad Wasim took the most wickets (3). Shadab Khan and Ben Dwarshuis claimed two wickets each, while Naseem Shah, Jason Holder, and Saad Masood took one wicket each. The United bowlers showed diversity in their attack and pace, keeping Zalmi under constant pressure.
This match serves as a lesson for Zalmi: no matter how many big names or stars a team has, if there is no teamwork, strategy, and consistency, failure becomes inevitable. Islamabad United outclassed Zalmi in every aspect—explosive batting, varied bowling, and sharp fielding.
Peshawar Zalmi must focus immediately on their batting lineup. The early dismissal of Babar Azam, combined with the continued failures of Saeem Ayub and Kohler-Cadmore, is proving detrimental for the team. For Zalmi to make a comeback in the upcoming matches, their opening pair needs to take more responsibility.
On the other hand, Islamabad United has strengthened its position on the points table with this victory and has sent a strong message to the competing teams. Under the leadership of Shadab Khan, the team looks balanced and determined.
Such victories in T20 cricket boost a team’s morale. United is playing like a winning team now, and if they maintain this form, the PSL 10 title could be within their reach.
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