LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi revived their playoff hopes in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2025 with a crucial six-wicket victory over Islamabad United at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday night. The win was anchored by a standout performance from debutant Maaz Sadaqat and a composed knock by captain Babar Azam, as the duo led Zalmi’s chase of a modest 144-run target.
With just three matches remaining in the league stage, Zalmi sit fifth on the points table, trailing Karachi Kings by two points but still in contention for a playoff spot. Meanwhile, United, though currently leading the standings, have now lost back-to-back matches after a five-game winning streak.
Babar, Maaz Lead Recovery After Early Collapse
Chasing 144, Zalmi found themselves in early trouble at 40-3 within the powerplay. Mitchell Owen fell to Kyle Mayers on the second ball of the innings, Saim Ayub was bowled by Ben Dwarshuis, and Mohammad Haris was dismissed thanks to a stunning catch by Naseem Shah off Riley Meredith.
From there, Babar and Maaz staged a controlled recovery, slowly rebuilding the innings. Their 100-run partnership off just 60 balls took Zalmi to a winning position. Maaz showed fearless intent, striking Mayers for back-to-back sixes and reaching his half-century with an array of shots, including three sixes and four boundaries in a 33-ball 55.
Babar (53* off 49) anchored the innings with a calm presence, hitting four fours and a six, bringing up his fifty and the 100-run stand with a boundary off Naseem Shah. Though Maaz departed in the 16th over, Zalmi were firmly in control and crossed the finish line with 20 balls remaining.
United Falter With the Bat
Earlier, Islamabad United, after winning the toss, struggled on a bowler-friendly pitch and managed 143-9 in their 20 overs. Despite a solid 49-run opening stand between Sahibzada Farhan (36) and Mayers (18), United’s innings unraveled quickly.
Zalmi’s bowlers kept the pressure on. Mohammad Ali (3-26) was the pick of the bowlers, while Ahmed Daniyal, Luke Wood, and Saim Ayub each took key wickets. Farhan, having been dropped early by Babar, was eventually dismissed in the ninth over. That opened the floodgates, with United slipping from 58-1 to 107-7.
A late surge from Ben Dwarshuis (33* off 17) lifted United past 140. His aggressive cameo, featuring three fours and two sixes, provided some respectability to the total, but it wasn’t enough to challenge a determined Zalmi side.
Zalmi’s Bowling Performance
Zalmi’s bowling unit executed their plans effectively. Luke Wood and Alzarri Joseph extracted pace and bounce early on, while Ali’s three wickets broke the back of United’s middle order. Saim Ayub and Hussain Talat also chipped in with economical spells.
Maaz Named Player of the Match
Maaz Sadaqat was named Player of the Match for his match-winning innings on debut. His fearless shot selection and composed temperament under pressure made a strong impression, breathing life into Zalmi’s faltering campaign.
Match Summary:
Islamabad United: 143/9 in 20 overs
(Farhan 36, Dwarshuis 33; Ali 3-26, Wood 1-26)*
Peshawar Zalmi: 147/4 in 16.4 overs
(Maaz 55, Babar 53; Dwarshuis 1-23, Naseem 1-24)*
Result: Peshawar Zalmi won by 6 wickets.
Player of the Match: Maaz Sadaqat
Points Table (as of latest match)
| Team | M | W | L | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamabad United | 7 | 5 | 2 | 10 | +0.774 |
| Lahore Qalandars | 8 | 4 | 3 | 9 | +1.110 |
| Quetta Gladiators | 7 | 4 | 2 | 9 | +1.034 |
| Karachi Kings | 7 | 4 | 3 | 8 | +0.445 |
| Peshawar Zalmi | 7 | 3 | 4 | 6 | -0.507 |
| Multan Sultans | 8 | 1 | 7 | 2 | -2.597 |
