Peshawar Zalmi Dominates: Babar Azam’s Century Sets the Stage
In a highly anticipated T20 cricket showdown, Peshawar Zalmi showcased their prowess by securing a remarkable eight-run win against Islamabad United in Lahore. The match, which took place on Monday, witnessed an outstanding performance by Babar Azam, whose masterly ton (111* off 63) laid the foundation for Peshawar’s triumph.
Islamabad’s Strong Start: Peshawar’s Resilience Shines Through
Despite Islamabad United’s formidable start, spearheaded by Azam Khan (75 off 30) and Colin Munro (71 off 53), Peshawar Zalmi’s Arif Yaqoob’s triple-strike (5-27) turned the tide of the game dramatically. Islamabad found themselves unable to recover from the damage inflicted by Yaqoob’s superb bowling display.
Peshawar Zalmi’s Batting Blitz: Babar Azam’s Heroics
Opting to bat on a favorable surface, Peshawar Zalmi’s opening pair, led by Saim Ayub and Babar Azam, propelled their team to a strong start. Despite facing some setbacks in the middle overs, Babar Azam’s exceptional batting prowess ensured Peshawar Zalmi posted a formidable total, with valuable contributions from Asif Ali.
Islamabad’s Chase: Peshawar’s Bowling Brilliance
Chasing a challenging target of 202, Islamabad United faced a tough task, especially with Peshawar’s bowlers delivering a disciplined performance. Despite Colin Munro’s resilience, Peshawar’s bowlers capitalized on the sluggish pitch, restricting Islamabad’s progress and ultimately sealing the victory.
Conclusion: Peshawar Zalmi Clinches Victory
In a thrilling encounter filled with twists and turns, Peshawar Zalmi emerged victorious, showcasing their strength in both batting and bowling departments. Babar Azam’s exceptional century and Arif Yaqoob’s crucial bowling spell were instrumental in Peshawar’s triumph, highlighting their resilience and determination on the field.
Brief scores: Peshawar Zalmi 201/5 in 20 overs (Babar Azam 111*; Shadab Khan 2-28) beat Islamabad United 193-9 in 20 overs (Azam Khan 75, Colin Munro 75; Arif Yakoob 5-27) by eight runs.
