Peshawar Zalmi knock Islamabad United out of PSL 2023

Peshawar Zalmi defeated Islamabad United by 12 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday during the first Eliminator of ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight.

Chasing a target of 184 runs, Islamabad were restricted to 171-6 in 20 overs. 

Babar Azam-led unit will face Lahore Qalandars in Eliminator 2 at the same venue tomorrow (Friday).  

During the run-chase, Azmatullah Omarzai provided an early wicket to Peshawar as Rahmanullah Gurbaz was sent back to the hut after scoring 10 runs.  

However, Alex Hales and Sohaib Maqsood took the attack to the opposition with some clean hitting. The duo added 115 runs for the second wicket partnership and put their team in the driving seat.

The century stand was finally broken by Aamer Jamal, who clean bowled Sohaib Maqsood but not before the right-hander had scored 60 runs in 48 balls.  

After Maqsood's departure, Peshawar didn't look back and took control of the match with some clever bowling and regular wickets. 

Azam Khan (2) also went back to hut, without a significant contribution, as he was sent packing by Salman Irshad after being beaten for pace.  

Hales also followed soon after as Jamal nailed a yorker to shatter the English batter's stumps. The right-hander scored 57 runs in 37 balls with the help of nine boundaries. 

Faheem Ashraf, who slipped while trying to return to the crease, was run out after a direct hit from Jamal.  

Captain Shadab scored unbeaten 26 runs in 12 balls but that was not enough to get his side over the line.

Irshad was the pick of the Peshawar bowlers with figures of 2-18 in four overs.

Earlier, Peshawar were restricted to 183-8 in 20 overs. 

Peshawar made an explosive start as openers Babar Azam and Saim Ayub stitched 60 runs in only 4.4 overs. 

However, Pacer Mohammad Wasim Jr provided a much-needed breakthrough to Islamabad after Ayub, who scored 23 runs in 16 balls, miscued a pull shot and was caught at mid-on by Faheem Ashraf. 

Azam looked in great touch and scored 64 runs in 39 balls with the help of 10 fours.

The Zalmi captain also became the fastest player to score 9,000 runs in T20 cricket during his impressive knock. Before today's match, Azam needed 35 runs to achieve the milestone which he did with ease courtesy some splendid shots. 

Mohammad Haris also provided impetus to the innings in the middle overs with a brisk cameo of 34 in 17 balls. He smacked three fours and two maximums. 

After a strong start, it seemed as Peshawar would easily post a total in excess of 200. However, Islamabad made a strong comeback in the death overs to ensure that was not the case. Peshawar could only score 35 runs, while losing four wickets, in the last five overs. 

Shadab Khan claimed two wickets, including the prized scalp of Azam, but conceded 40 runs in his four overs. 

In yesterday’s Qualifier, Multan Sultans defeated Lahore Qalandars to book their spot in the final of PSL 8. However, the defending champions will get another chance to qualify for the final in the second Eliminator.

Lineups

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris, Haseebullah Khan (wk), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, James Neesham, Aamer Jamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Wahab Riaz, Salman Irshad

Islamabad United: Alex Hales, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sohaib Maqsood, Colin Munro, Shadab Khan (c), Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mubasir Khan, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Fazalhaq Farooqi

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