PSL 10: Peshawar Zalmi beat Islamabad United by 6 wickets

LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi kept their playoff hopes alive with a crucial six-wicket victory over defending champions Islamabad United in the 16th match of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

Chasing a target of 144 runs set by United, Zalmi reached the finish line in the 16th over, thanks to a clinical performance with both bat and ball.

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Earlier, Islamabad United won the toss and opted to bat first but were restricted to 143 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. Sahibzada Farhan (36) and Ben Dwarshuis (33) were the top scorers for the side. For Zalmi, Mohammad Ali impressed with figures of 3 for 26.

Under the captaincy of Shadab Khan, United made four changes, bringing in Kyle Mayers, Colin Munro, Saad Masood and Riley Meredith. Peshawar Zalmi, led by Babar Azam, also reshuffled their lineup with Maaz Sadaqat, Max Bryant, Ahmed Daniyal and Mohammad Ali coming into the XI.

Babar Azam, the all-time leading run-scorer in PSL history, is playing a pivotal role as Zalmi aim to break into the top four. With this win, Zalmi now have four points from six matches and sit fifth on the table.

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Islamabad United lead the standings with 10 points, followed by Quetta Gladiators and Lahore Qalandars with 9 points each, while Karachi Kings are on 8 points. The top four teams will qualify for the playoffs.