PSL Match Result: The PSL 2024 match 13 between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi ended in a spectacular win, with the help of Babar Azam’s fantastic ton for Peshawar by eight runs at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Monday (February 26).
His unbeaten knock and Arif Yaqoob’s (5/27) leg spin won the game for Peshawar. Arif Yaqoob from Peshawar and Shadab Khan from Islamabad stood out as bowlers from both sides on a surface full of runs. Everyone else was taken out for a beating in a slugfest.
Islamabad United won the toss and opted to chase the target. Peshawar, led by Babar Azam took on the bowlers from the word go, scoring 65-0 in the powerplay. After the loss of Ayub, Peshawar lost their way as Haris and Hasebullah went quickly. The last match power hitter Powell couldn’t contribute too, and it was all left for Babar to do everything.
Babar turned up the heat when Asif Ali came, as his second 50 just took 20 balls. He scored 23 runs in Hunain’s one over as he changed gears effortlessly. Then Skipper 100 happened, for his fans were eagerly waiting and celebrating. Shadab Khan (2/28) was the highest wicket-taker for Islamabad. Hence, Peshawar ended up scoring 201-5 after 20 overs.
As the surface remained the same, Islamabad batters came out to bat and scored 45-1 in the powerplay. When the team struggled for momentum, Azam and Munro’s partnership turned things around to put United on top. Even, after the departure of Azam at the end of the 18th over, Islamabad were still the favourites. Nonetheless, Arif Yaqoob’s over where he took four wickets at the cost of two runs turned things around dramatically. In a game full of twists and turns, Peshawar won at the end.