Babar’s century help Zalmi beat United in high-scoring clash
Lahore: Peshawar Zalmi completed a hat-trick of wins in HBL PSL 9 as they inflicted an eight-run defeat over Islamabad United at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Monday night. An unbeaten century by skipper Babar Azam helped them set a 202-run target, which they defended successfully courtesy of a five-for by leg-spinner Arif Yaqoob.
Shadab Khan won the toss and opted to field first. Peshawar Zalmi opening duo, Babar Azam and Saim Ayub, backed up their 136-run stand in the previous game with a strong start against Islamabad United, amassing an unbeaten 65 runs in the powerplay.
Salman Ali Agha provided the first breakthrough for United, as he removed Saim (38, 21b, 3x4s, 2x6s) in the eighth over to bring an end to the 77-run opening stand. Right after, Shadab bowled a double wicket over, claiming both Mohammad Haris and Haseebullah cheaply, to reign Peshawar in after their solid start.
At the halfway mark, Peshawar stood at 87-3 with Babar and Paul Walter at the crease. They added 34 runs together to the total before Walter (19, 13b, 2x4s) was run out by Shadab at the non-striker’s end in the 14th over. On the last delivery of the 15th over, Rovman Powell was caught behind for a-run-a-ball eight, with just one boundary off Naseem Shah’s bowling.
Asif Ali chipped in with an unbeaten 17 off nine on the back of two fours, contributing to a sixth-wicket stand that yielded an undefeated 77 from just 31 deliveries. Babar, playing the aggressor role, contributed 59 on 22 balls to this partnership, as they aided Peshawar to 201-5 after 20 overs.
