Farhan’s blistering knock too hot to handle for Zalmi

RAWALPINDI: In a night to remember at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Sahibzada Farhan lit up the Pakistan Super League (PSL) X with a jaw-dropping 106 off just 52 deliveries, propelling Islamabad United to a commanding 102-run victory over Peshawar Zalmi on Monday.

Farhan’s fearless stroke-play had the crowd on its feet as he unleashed a flurry of 13 boundaries and 5 towering sixes in a mesmerizing innings that left Zalmi in complete disarray. From the moment he stepped onto the pitch, it was clear this was going to be his night. His audacious assault saw United pile up a mammoth 243 for 5—one of the highest totals in PSL history.

The innings was highlighted by a 144-run stand with Colin Munro (40), which set the stage for United’s dominance. Even after Munro’s departure in the 14th over, the onslaught didn’t slow down. Salman Ali Agha (30 off 15) added fuel to the fire as Islamabad’s batsmen combined for an explosive 25 fours and 12 sixes in total.

Zalmi, in response, crumbled under pressure. The early loss of Saim Ayub (6) and captain Babar Azam (1) left them reeling at 26 for 3—a position from which they never recovered. Mohammad Haris played a lone hand with a valiant 87 off 47 balls, including 12 fours and 4 sixes, but it was far too little, too late. The rest of the batting lineup folded for a modest 141.

United’s bowling attack proved too hot to handle, with Imad Wasim (3 for 26), Ben Dwarshuis (2 for 23), and Shadab Khan (2 for 29) slicing through Zalmi’s order with precision and control.

Score:

Islamabad United 243 for 5 in 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 106, Colin Munro 40, Salam Ali Agha 30, Jason Holder 20 not out, Alzarri Joseph 2-39)

Peshawar Zalmi 141 all out in 18. 2 overs (Mohammad Haris 87, Imad Wasim 3-26, Ben Dwarshuis 2-23, Shadab Khan 2-29) Man of the Match: Sahibzada Farhan