PSL 10: Babar Azam, Maaz Sadaqat shine as Zalmi beat United by six wickets

Peshawar Zalmi registered a much-needed victory in the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), defeating Islamabad United by six wickets at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday.

The win marked Zalmi’s third triumph of the season, with debutant Maaz Sadaqat and captain Babar Azam playing key roles in the successful run chase.

Chasing a modest target of 144, Zalmi had a dramatic start. Mitchell Owen hit a six off the first ball of Kyle Mayers’ over, but was dismissed on the very next delivery. Babar Azam then came in to join opener Saim Ayub. However, Ayub fell quickly, scoring just one run, as Ben Dwarshuis struck early to leave Zalmi struggling at 12-2.

Babar and Mohammad Haris tried to steady the innings with a 26-run partnership, but Haris was dismissed by Riley Meredith for 13. At 38-3, Zalmi looked in trouble.

That’s when Maaz Sadaqat, playing his first PSL match, stepped up. The young batter formed a vital 102-run stand with Babar Azam, guiding the team to a secure position. Maaz impressed with a composed and confident knock, reaching his half-century and helping Zalmi build momentum in the middle overs.

Babar Azam also brought up his 35th PSL fifty, anchoring the innings and guiding his team with calm leadership. 

With only four runs needed to win, Naseem Shah dismissed Maaz for a superb 55 off 33 balls. Max Bryant then hit the winning runs, while Babar remained unbeaten on 53 off 49 balls, sealing the win in the 17th over.

Earlier in the day, Islamabad United won the toss and chose to bat first. Their openers, Sahibzada Farhan and Kyle Mayers, gave them a strong start with a 58-run partnership. But the innings quickly lost momentum after Farhan was dismissed for 36 by Ahmed Daniyal.

Mayers fell soon after for 18, followed by a middle-order collapse. Luke Wood removed Azam Khan for 8, and Islamabad’s hopes faded further. Babar Azam also made an impact in the field with a sharp direct hit to run out Imad Wasim for 10.

Ben Dwarshuis tried to add some quick runs at the end, remaining not out on 33 off 17 balls, but United were restricted to just 143-9 after 20 overs due to disciplined bowling and tight fielding by Zalmi.

With this win, Peshawar Zalmi continue their push to climb up the PSL points table, while Islamabad United face their second defeat of the season.