Islamabad United beat Peshawar Zalmi by nine wickets in the fifth match of the seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022 at National Cricket Stadium today (Sunday). 

Unbeaten Alex Hales blistering 87 off 54 deliveries and Paul Stirling fiery 57 runs off just 25 balls ensured that Islamabad United began their campaign with a thrilling nine-wicket win over Peshawar Zalmi.

Chasing 169 to win, Stirling and Hales put on a fine partnership of 112. After the departure of Stirling, Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored unbeaten 27 runs off 16 balls.

Talking about Zalmi bowling line-up, so there is nothing to talk about. As all the bowlers failed to take a breakthrough. 

Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi has posted a target of 169 in the 5th match in the PSL against Islamabad United.

Starting off their innings, Zalmi had suffered from an early blow when opener Tom Kohler-Cadmore walked back to the pavilion without troubling the scorecard.

The struggle for the yellow storm continued as they were four down for just 35 runs. Thanks to the partnership between Zalmi’s skipper Shoaib Malik and Sherfane Rutherford that played a significant role to reconstruct the innings of Zalmi as they ended their innings on 168/5.

The top scorer for Peshawar Zalmi was Sherfane Rutherford who made an unbeaten 70 runs off 46 balls. Ben Cutting and skipper Shoaib Malik scored 26 and 25 runs respectively.

Talking about the bowlers of Islamabad United, Hassan Ali and Faheem Ashraf bagged two wickets each, while Mohammad Wasim, Shadab Khan claimed one wicket each.

It is pertinent to mention that Islamabad United won the toss and elected to field first against Peshawar Zalmi in the fifth match of PSL 7 at Karachi’s National Stadium.

While Peshawar would be looking forward to registering back-to-back wins under their belt, Islamabad United would be eager to start their campaign on a winning note.

Peshawar Zalmi had got the better of Quetta Gladiators in their tournament opener on Friday night by five wickets in the final on the back of splendid knocks from middle-order batter Hussain Talat and skipper Shoaib Malik.

While Peshwar Zalmi did win their first encounter of this season, their opponents on Sunday i.e. Islamabad United would be up for the challenge as they have a balanced side that can test Malik & Co.