PSL 11: Peshawar Zalmi defeat Islamabad United by 70 runs

Karachi (Web Desk): Peshawar Zalmi stormed into the final of Pakistan Super League Season 11 after registering a convincing 70-run victory over Islamabad United in the qualifier.

After winning the toss, Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan elected to field first and invited Peshawar Zalmi to bat.

Peshawar Zalmi posted a formidable total of 221 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs, led by a superb century from skipper Babar Azam, who smashed 103 runs off 59 balls. The knock marked Babar’s 13th century in T20 cricket and his fourth hundred in PSL history.

Mohammad Haris contributed 35 runs, while Kusal Mendis scored 41 and Aaron Hardie added 20 runs to strengthen Zalmi’s innings.

For Islamabad United, Shadab Khan claimed three wickets, while Richard Gleeson picked up two dismissals.

In reply, Islamabad United were bowled out for 151 runs while chasing the daunting 222-run target. Sameer Minhas top-scored with 44 runs, but the side failed to build any significant partnerships.

Aaron Hardie starred with the ball for Peshawar Zalmi by taking three wickets, while Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Basit grabbed two wickets each.

With this victory, Peshawar Zalmi qualified for the PSL final for the fifth time, becoming the team with the most final appearances in the tournament’s history.

Despite the defeat, Islamabad United are still in contention for the title and will get another opportunity to reach the final. The team will face either Hyderabad Kingsmen or Multan Sultans in Eliminator 2 on Friday.