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LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi continued their brilliant turnaround in the Pakistan Super League 7 after a thrilling 10-run win over Islamabad United in the 24th match of the tournament played at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday
Mohammad Haris produced a dazzling inning of 70 to set up his side’s win. Zalmi then overcame Azam Khan’s heroic 85 off 45 balls (six fours, seven sixes) to ensure they defend their 206-run total.
Zalmi, who elected to bat first, could not have hoped for a better beginning as the wicketkeeper-batter Haris did his growing reputation no harm with a series of scintillating strokes in only his third appearance in his PSL career. The right-hander took a mere 18 balls to post his maiden PSL 50 – joint third-fastest in tournament’s history.
Haris and Hazratullah Zazai (13) added 73 for the first-wicket inside the power play overs. Haris scored 70 off 32 balls (seven fours, five sixes) before his dismissal to Waqas Maqsood.
After Haris’ loss, Zalmi’s emerging pick Yasir Khan and the seasoned Shoaib Malik mounted further pressure on the United bowlers with 35 and 38 runs contributions off 24 and 23 balls respectively both hit two sixes each. United managed to bring some semblance of respectability to their bowling effort as Zalmi were held back in the death overs. Faheem Ashraf took three and Waqas Maqsood took two wickets.
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United came out all guns blazing in their 207-run chase. Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave United the perfect start with a whirlwind 46 off 19 (three fours, five sixes). Rahmanullah added 54 with Mubasir Khan for the first-wicket before falling to Salman Irshad. The right-hander was caught by Liam Livingstone who had earlier dropped him on 14.
Soon after, Zalmi skipper Wahab Riaz became the first bowler to take 100 PSL wickets after dismissing Danish Aziz. United’s chase was then revived by an astonishing assault by Azam who singlehandedly kept his side in the hunt with a series of breath taking shots, using his power and muscle, Azam regularly tonked big sixes to keep United’s chase on track.
With United needing 25 off the last 12, Wahab dismissed Azam and then proceeded to bowl a splendid over conceding a mere three runs. Salman with three for 29 in four overs was the pick of the Zalmi bowlers, Wahab took two for 26.
