Islamabad United Reaches PSL Final with Thrilling Win Over Peshawar Zalmi

Islamabad United booked their first Pakistan Super League final berth since 2018 with a dramatic five-wicket victory over Peshawar Zalmi in the second eliminator on Saturday.

After being in trouble in their chase, A brilliant unbeaten partnership between Imad Wasim (59) and Haider Ali (52 not out) steered Islamabad to victory in a tense chase.

Ali smashed five sixes in his 29-ball knock, while Wasim provided crucial stability with his unbeaten 59. The duo stitched together a match-winning 98-run stand for the seventh wicket to seal the win with an over to spare.

Earlier, Pakistan batsman Saim Ayub (73 off 44) provided a solid foundation for Peshawar’s innings. Captain Shadab Khan, however, starred with the ball for Islamabad, claiming four sharp catches and the crucial wicket of Ayub in the 15th over. Islamabad restricted Peshawar to 185-5, with Naseem Shah picking up three wickets.

Islamabad’s chase began disastrously, losing four wickets for just 50 runs within the powerplay. However, Wasim and Ali combined for a remarkable comeback, taking full advantage of a costly final over from Aamer Jamal, who conceded 23 runs to hand Islamabad the victory.

Islamabad United will face Multan Sultans in PSL 2024 Final

Islamabad will now face Multan Sultans in the PSL final on Monday. This marks a return to the championship stage for the two-time champions, who lifted the trophy in the inaugural season and again in 2018.

Peshawar opted for a three-spinner strategy for the first time this season, with Ayub proving effective early on. However, they were unable to contain the late onslaught from Wasim and Ali.

Babar Azam, who finished the season as the PSL’s leading run-scorer with a record-breaking 569 runs, fell early after a brilliant catch by Shadab Khan. Despite Ayub’s knock and a 40-run contribution from Mohammad Haris, Peshawar’s batting faltered in the middle overs, allowing Islamabad back into the contest.