- May 3, 2025
IU vs PZ (22nd Match) – Highlights
In a drama fueled and tense confrontation with high stakes and under the lights at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, PZ defeated IU by six wickets in the 22nd match of the Pakistan Super League 2025. A half-century from young Maaz Sadaqat’s batting dominance allowed Zalmi to chase down the 144-run target in just 16.4 overs and boost their net run rate as the playoffs drew near.
IU were beginning to mount the podium of the innings after a steady start, when they failed to put together a couple of promising stands. The hosts batting was launched by Sahibzada Farhan, who, at 36 off 35 balls, was the top-scorer for UAE before Ahmed Daniyal got him out. Kyle Mayers contributed 18, Colin Munro 11, but neither batsman went on after getting starts. Shadab Khan provided a brief flicker of hope as his 15 off 8 balls suggested some intent for the chase, but under sustained pressures from Zalmi calmed the chase down.
The standout performance with the bat for United came surprisingly from Ben Dwarshuis, who played a gutsy unbeaten knock of 33 off just 17 balls, laced with three boundaries and two towering sixes. His late onslaught ensured that United crossed the 140-mark, finishing at 143 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. Mohammad Ali led the bowling charge for Zalmi with figures of 3 for 26, while Luke Wood, Alzarri Joseph, Ahmed Daniyal, Saim Ayub, and Hussain Talat all picked up a wicket apiece to stifle the scoring.
PZ faced an early scare chasing a modest target when Mitchell Owen was out in the first over for a mere 6 runs, and Saim Ayub followed him shortly after for a cheap dismissal. However, Captain Babar Azam was unflustered and calmly and confidently steered his team to victory with their chase, cementing an unbeaten 53 runs off 49 balls. Batting with reassurance and calmness was a great comfort and platform for other batters to bat around Azam.
The real game-changer was Maaz Sadaqat, who played the innings of the match. His fearless 55 off just 33 deliveries, including four boundaries and three sixes, dismantled the United bowling attack and shifted the momentum entirely in Zalmi’s favor. His aggression was well-timed, attacking the weak links in the bowling lineup, especially targeting Saad Masood and Kyle Mayers, who went for 20 and 28 runs in their respective overs. Maaz eventually fell with just four runs left to get, but his damage had already been done.
While it was true that a few wickets fell early, the Zalmi’s lower middle order were never really under any pressure from the pitch due to the lovely Babar-Maaz partnership. They reached the target in 16.4 overs, and finished with 20 balls to spare. Maaz Sadaqat was deservedly the Player of the Match for fairly scoring a match-winning 92.
Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi Scoreboard
Islamabad United – 143/9 (20)
Peshawar Zalmi – 147/4 (16.4)
Result – Peshawar Zalmi won by 6 wickets (with 20 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Maaz Sadaqat
Maaz Sadaqat
IU vs PZ Playing XI
Islamabad United | Sahibzada Farhan, Kyle Mayers, Colin Munro, Salman Agha, Shadab Khan (c), Azam Khan (wk), Saad Masood, Imad Wasim, Ben Dwarshuis, Naseem Shah, Riley Meredith |
Peshawar Zalmi | Mitchell Owen, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Haris (wk), Maaz Sadaqat, Max Bryant, Luke Wood, Alzarri Joseph, Mohammad Ali, Ahmed Daniyal, Hussain Talat |
Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.
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