Peshawar Zalmi handed Islamabad United their second straight defeat in the Pakistan Super League on May 2, 2025, with a clinical six-wicket victory that exposed United’s batting frailties. The match, a masterclass in disciplined bowling and composed chasing, saw Zalmi’s attack, led by Mohammad Ali, choke United to a paltry 143 for 9 before Babar Azam and Maaz Sadaqat steered the chase with poise.
United, usually a batting juggernaut, crumbled under Zalmi’s relentless pressure. Mohammad Ali’s 3 for 26 ripped through the middle order, his pace and swing too much for United’s top heavy lineup. Every Zalmi bowler chipped in—each of the four frontline quicks conceded between 26 and 29 runs, snaring wickets to keep United’s big guns in check. Even part-timers Saim Ayub and Hussain Talat turned the screws, bowling four overs for just 30 runs and two scalps. United’s innings never found rhythm, limping to a total that felt 20 runs short on a decent pitch. Sahibzada Farhan’s 36 and Ben Dwarshuis’s late 33 not out were the only sparks in an otherwise dim showing.
Zalmi’s chase wasn’t without its wobbles. Early blows left them teetering at 38 for 3, with Babar, their talisman, struggling to find his groove. But Sadaqat, the young left-hander, took charge. His 55, laced with crisp boundaries, broke United’s hopes and set the stage for Babar’s unbeaten 53. The pair’s partnership was a study in contrast—Sadaqat’s flair complementing Babar’s measured grit. By the time Naseem Shah nicked out Sadaqat, the game was Zalmi’s. Max Bryant sealed it, easing a ball to midwicket as Zalmi reached 147 for 4 with overs to spare.
The win underscored Zalmi’s bowling depth and batting resilience, while United’s loss raised questions about their form after a promising start to PSL 2025. Both teams made four changes to their lineups, but Zalmi’s selections clicked, their bowlers setting the tone after losing the toss. United, meanwhile, looked flat, their star-studded batting unable to ignite.
Zalmi’s victory was completed on May 2, 2025, in front of a packed crowd. United’s 143 for 9 was built on Farhan’s 36 and Dwarshuis’s 33 not out, with Ali’s 3 for 26 leading Zalmi’s attack. Zalmi’s 147 for 4 was anchored by Sadaqat’s 55 and Babar’s 53 not out, with Dwarshuis taking 1 for 23 for United.