PSL | Imad Wasim's heroics intertwined with Haider Ali's courageous batting propell Islamabad to finals

PSL | Imad Wasim's heroics intertwined with Haider Ali's courageous batting propell Islamabad to finals

SportsCafe Desk

By SportsCafe Desk, SportsCafe Editor

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Islamabad United beat Peshawar Zalmi by five wickets and qualified for the finals. Chasing 186 runs by Peshawar, the Islamabad batting faltered initially but with a brilliant stand between Imad Wasim and Haider Ali, the two-time champions won the match and will face Multans in the title clash.

Eyeing a spot in the finals for the fifth time, Peshawar Zalmi clashed with Islamabad United in the second eliminator at Karachi's National Stadium. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Islamabad skipper Shadab Khan led his team onto the field as Peshawar's opening duo, Babar Azam and Saim Ayub, commenced their innings with gusto. The Zalmi batsmen surged to 59/0 by the end of the powerplay.  However, Islamabad's pace spearhead, Naseem Shah, struck Babar down in the eighth over providing a breakthrough for his team. Nevertheless, Saim continued his impressive display, reaching his half-century off just 27 deliveries, steering Zalmi to 98/1 at the halfway mark. As Haris picked up the pace and Saim sustained his dominance, the Zalmi further advanced to 130/1 after 14 overs. However, the partnership was disrupted by Shadab Khan, who claimed Saim's wicket after his spirited 73 off 44 deliveries. Subsequently, Islamabad's bowlers regained momentum, curtailing Peshawar's run flow and removing Haris, Rovman Powell, and Tom Kohler-Cadmore in the slog overs. Despite Islamabad's resurgence, Naseem Shah's stellar performance with the ball, securing a three-wicket haul, enabled Islamabad to limit Peshawar to 185/5 at the end of their innings.

Islamabad United found themselves in dire straits at the start of their batting innings, losing four key wickets during the powerplay. Islamabad were left reeling at 50/4 by the powerplay's conclusion with Alex Hales, Agha Salman, Shadab Khan, and Martin Guptill back in the hut. Yet, Imad Wasim and Azam Khan stepped up, stabilizing the innings with a resilient 35-run partnership, guiding their side to 85/4 after 10 overs. However, Luke Wood's precise delivery in the 11th over dismissed Azam, breaking the Imad-Azam alliance. Undeterred, Islamabad persevered with Imad and Haider Ali steering them to 151/5 by the 17th over, showcasing a vital 60-run partnership. Injecting excitement into the game, Haider accelerated his innings in the 18th over, unleashing boundaries and massive sixes. Both Imad and Haider achieved half-centuries, orchestrating a remarkable victory for Islamabad United by five wickets. With this triumph, Islamabad secures their spot in the finals, where they will clash against Multan Sultans on Monday.

That was deadly!

He wasn't expecting it!

Scary bouncer from Wood!

Haha!

LOL! Hilarious!

Haa bhaii that was some serious bouncer!

Yeah buddy!!

Good match fact!

Brilliant fight back!

haaa!

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