Lahore: Peshawar Zalmi on Thursday set 184 runs target for Islamabad United in the 1st eliminator of Pakistan Super League-8th edition(PSL 8). The match is being played in the Qazafi Stadium of the provincial capital.
Peshawar made an explosive start as openers Babar Azam and Saim Ayub stitched 60 runs in only 4.4 overs.
However, Pacer Mohammad Wasim Jr provided a much-needed breakthrough to Islamabad after Ayub, who scored 23 runs in 16 balls, miscued a pull shot and was caught at mid-on by Faheem Ashraf.
Azam looked in great touch and scored 64 runs in 39 balls with the help of 10 fours.
The Zalmi captain also became the fastest player to score 9,000 runs in T20 cricket during his impressive knock. Before today’s match, Azam needed 35 runs to achieve the milestone which he did with ease courtesy some splendid shots.
Mohammad Haris also provided impetus to the innings in the middle overs with a brisk cameo of 34 in 17 balls. He smacked three fours and two maximums.
After a strong start, it seemed as Peshawar would easily post a total in excess of 200. However, Islamabad made a strong comeback in the death overs to ensure that was not the case. Peshawar could only score 35 runs, while losing four wickets, in the last five overs.
Shadab Khan claimed two wickets, including the prized scalp of Azam, but conceded 40 runs in his four overs.
The winner of today’s match will qualify for the second Eliminator, which is set to take place tomorrow at the same venue.
