Peshawar Zalmi faced a second defeat in the eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League on Thursday, losing to Islamabad United by six wickets at the National Stadium in Karachi. The match was sealed by United before 15 overs could be bowled as they chased down Zalmi’s target of 157 rather comprehensively.
Despite Babar Azam’s half-century, the Islamabad United’s chase was successful. Babar’s lone effort of 75 was overshadowed by the sparkling fifty from Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, whose blitzkrieg of 62 from 31 balls including 7 fours and 4 sixes stole the show and gave Zalmi a much-needed win – their second of the tournament so far.
Babar Azam and Hasan Ali’s on-field banter
Babar Azam and Hasan Ali were involved in a hilarious on-field banter as the Pakistan captain tried to scare the pacer by lifting his bat in the air and pretending to hit him, forcing him to run for cover.
During an over, while facing Hasan Ali, Babar took off for a single when he decided to have a banter with his Pakistan teammates. In the middle of the run with Hasan in his way, Babar scared the pacer by lifting his bat and pretending to hit him, forcing Ali to run for cover. It was a hilarious moment caught on camera.
Hasan Ali grabbed 3-35, taking the wheels off Peshawar’s blazing start with three wickets in the space of eight balls. Despite this, Captain Babar Azam’s unbeaten 75 anchored his team to 156-8. In the end, both players had an evening to remember as Hasan bagged 3/35 and was adjudged Player of the Match.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz shines in Islamabad United’s victory
Gurbaz capitalized on two dropped catches by James Neesham and raised his half-century off 24 balls as Islamabad raced to 159-4 with 31 balls to spare and notched their second win in three games.
The Afghanistan opener’s blistering half-century helped Islamabad chase down Peshawar’s target in style.
The match between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United was an exciting one with many captivating moments, including the on-field banter between Babar Azam and Hasan Ali.
Hasan Ali’s impressive bowling performance earned him the Player of the Match award, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s half-century helped Islamabad secure their second win in the tournament.
