Live from Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Islamabad United have flexed their batting muscles, posting a formidable 243/5 in just 20 overs against Peshawar Zalmi in this rain-affected PSL 2025 encounter. The defending champions, electing to bat first after winning the toss, maintained a blistering run rate of 12.2 throughout their innings, leaving Zalmi with a challenging revised target of 234 in their 20 overs.
The explosive performance continues Islamabad’s dominant form this season, building on their comprehensive eight-wicket win against Lahore Qalandars. While full batting details are still emerging, the scorecard suggests a collective effort from United’s star-studded lineup featuring Andries Gous, Colin Munro and hard-hitting Azam Khan. The team made two strategic changes before the match, bringing in Saad Masood and Ben Dwarshuis to strengthen their bowling attack.
Peshawar Zalmi now face a daunting chase under lights, needing nearly 12 runs per over from the outset. Their bowling unit, which struggled against Quetta Gladiators in their opening match, failed to contain United’s onslaught today. All eyes now turn to Zalmi’s explosive opening pair of Babar Azam and Saim Ayub, who must provide a flying start against United’s varied attack featuring Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan and Jason Holder.
The match represents a crucial test for both sides in this historic rivalry – with 12 wins each from their 24 previous meetings. While Islamabad look to extend their six-match winning streak, Zalmi desperately need a turnaround after their 80-run defeat to Quetta. The Rawalpindi pitch, known for favoring batsmen early on, may prove tricky as the game progresses with spinners likely to play a key role in the second innings.
Playing XIs:
Islamabad United: Andries Gous, Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Salman Agha, Azam Khan (wk), Shadab Khan (c), Jason Holder, Imad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Saad Masood, Ben Dwarshuis
Peshawar Zalmi: Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Haris (wk), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Hussain Talat, Mitchell Owen, George Linde, Alzarri Joseph, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Ali, Ali Raza
Also read: PSL 10 to deliver first ever full Urdu commentary
