Islamabad United delivered a commanding performance in Match 5 of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, securing a 102-run victory over Peshawar Zalmi at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This triumph marks Islamabad’s largest margin of victory in PSL history and propels them to the top of the points table with two consecutive wins.
Farhan’s Explosive Century Sets the Stage
Sahibzada Farhan was the linchpin of Islamabad’s batting onslaught, crafting a scintillating 106 off just 52 deliveries, including 13 fours and 5 sixes. His century, achieved in 49 balls, ties the record for the fastest by an Islamabad United player and places him among the elite few with four T20 centuries in a single year.
Partnering with Colin Munro, who contributed a brisk 40 off 27 balls, Farhan established a formidable 144-run stand for the second wicket. Late-innings contributions from Salman Ali Agha (30 off 15) and Jason Holder (20* off 11) propelled Islamabad to a formidable total of 243/5, their second-highest in PSL history and the highest team score in the current season.
Peshawar Zalmi’s Chase Falters
Facing a daunting target, Peshawar Zalmi’s innings unraveled quickly, losing three wickets within the first four overs. Key batsmen Saim Ayub and Babar Azam were dismissed early, the latter falling to a precise delivery from Ben Dwarshuis.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Haris offered resistance with a valiant 87 off 47 balls, featuring 12 fours and 4 sixes. However, his efforts were in vain as the rest of the batting lineup failed to provide support. Imad Wasim led Islamabad’s bowling attack with figures of 3/26, while Shadab Khan and Dwarshuis each claimed two wickets, culminating in Zalmi’s dismissal for 141 in 18.2 overs.
Rawalpindi: A Batsman’s Haven
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium continues to be a high-scoring venue in PSL 2025, favoring batsmen with its flat pitch and short boundaries. The recent match between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi underscores this trend, with Islamabad posting a massive total that proved insurmountable for the chasing side.
Looking Ahead
Islamabad United’s emphatic victory solidifies their position at the summit of the PSL 2025 standings. Their next challenge will be maintaining this momentum as the tournament progresses. Peshawar Zalmi, on the other hand, will aim to regroup and address their shortcomings in both batting and bowling to revive their campaign.
