Hales, Stirling star as Islamabad United thrash Peshawar Zalmi

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Alex Hales and Paul Stirling helped Islamabad United chase down a 169-run target set by Peshawar Zalmi in the fifth match of the HBL PSL 7.

The Islamabad United openers put up an entertaining display as they registered a convincing victory over a largely unimpressive Zalmi side.

Stirling opened his account with a half-century from just 18 balls as he smashed 7 boundaries and 3 maximums. However, soon after raising his bat, he was run out by Zalmi captain Wahab.

Alex Hales continued the aggression despite losing Stirling in the 10th over and was supported well by Rahmanullah Gurbaz from the other end.

Hales scored an unbeaten 82 which included 13 boundaries and 3 maximums.

Islamabad chased down the target in 15.5 overs and stamped their authority by announcing themselves in the HBL PSL 7.

Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi were asked to bat first after Shadab Khan won the toss for Islamabad United.

Zalmi found it difficult early on as they lost four wickets for 35 runs; Faheem Ashraf dismissed Yasir Khan (14) and Hussain Talat (2) whereas Hasan Ali and Shadab Khan picked up the other two wickets.

Shoaib Malik (25) and Ben Cutting (26) both made decent contributions but the show was stolen by Sherfane Rutherford who scored an unbeaten 70 from 46 balls.

Zalmi finished their innings on 168/6.