Islamabad United Crush Peshawar Zalmi by 102 Runs Thanks to Farhan’s Explosive 106
Islamabad United delivered a commanding performance to secure their second consecutive victory in the tournament, dismantling Peshawar Zalmi by 102 runs in a high-octane clash. Sahibzada Farhan stole the spotlight with a blistering century, as United posted a mammoth total of 243 for 5 — the highest score in this edition so far.
In response, Zalmi struggled to mount any serious challenge, folding for 141, despite a valiant 87 off 47 balls from Mohammad Haris. The heavy defeat marked Zalmi’s second straight loss, while United surged up the points table with another dominant display.
Farhan’s Fireworks Lead United’s Record-Breaking Total
Opting to bat first, United took full advantage of a batting-friendly surface. After a cautious start, Farhan ignited the innings with a flurry of boundaries, including 22 runs off a single over from teenage pacer Ali Raza. United racked up 73 runs in the powerplay, setting the tone for the carnage to follow.
Farhan continued his assault, racing to a sensational 49-ball hundred — the fastest of the season so far. Colin Munro provided solid support with a quick 40, as the duo added significant momentum to the innings. Although both batters fell in quick succession to Alzarri Joseph, United had already raced to 163 with six overs remaining.
The late overs saw explosive cameos from Azam Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Jason Holder, and Ben Dwarshuis, who collectively added 80 runs in the final six overs, lifting United to an imposing total of 243.
Zalmi Collapse in Face of Steep Chase
Chasing a daunting target, Zalmi’s hopes were dashed early. Captain Babar Azam fell cheaply, edging to slip off Dwarshuis, while Mitchell Owen and Saim Ayub also departed within the powerplay. Reduced to 26 for 3 by the fourth over, Zalmi were always behind the required run rate.
Mohammad Haris offered a lone resistance, playing one of his best T20 innings in recent times. He smashed boundaries at will, including sixes off Dwarshuis and Holder, trying to breathe life into an otherwise crumbling chase. However, the lack of support from the other end sealed Zalmi’s fate.
Imad Wasim’s disciplined spell (3 for 26) proved instrumental in stifling Zalmi’s middle order. He removed Tom Kohler-Cadmore and later delivered the final blow by dismissing Haris for 87, ending any remote hopes of a comeback. Dwarshuis finished the job by removing Mohammad Ali, sealing United’s emphatic win.
Match Summary
Islamabad United: 243/5 (Farhan 106, Munro 40)
Peshawar Zalmi: 141 all out (Haris 87, Wasim 3-26, Dwarshuis 2-23)
Result: Islamabad United won by 102 runs