Zalmi face league leaders United in crucial encounter today

LAHORE: Struggling Pesahwar Zalmi will take on league leaders Islamabad United in the 22nd match of the Pakistan Super League 2025 here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday evening with the game beginning at 8:00 pm.

Under an expected clear skies and traditionally batting Gaddafi Stadium wicket, Peshawar would be looking for rhythm to return in their ranks after two wins and four losses this season. Islamabad United despite one loss and five victories are the table toppers.

As the 2025 Pakistan Super League reaches its halfway point, Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United find themselves on contrasting frontiers heading into their gresh showdown. Peshawar Zalmi have endured a difficult campaign, managing just two victories against four defeats. Their batting has been particularly concerning, crossing the 150-run mark only once in six matches – a dominant display against bottom-placed Multan Sultans where they amassed 227-7 en route to a 120-run victory.

Their most recent outing ended in disappointment, suffering a comprehensive 64-run defeat to Quetta Gladiators. The batting lineup, despite being led by the talismanic Babar Azam, has consistently underperformed, raising questions about their playoff aspirations.

Islamabad United, meanwhile, started their campaign in blistering fashion with five consecutive victories, establishing themselves as the team to beat. However, their perfect record was shattered in their previous match against Lahore Qalandars, where they were handed an 88-run thrashing.

After conceding a mammoth 209-6, United’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure, mustering just 121 runs in 16.5 overs. Despite this setback, they remain perched at the top of the table with 10 points and will be eager to return to winning ways.

The rivalry between these two franchises has been one of the most competitive in PSL history having played 25 previous encounters, Islamabad United had 13 wins with a slight edge over Peshawar Zalmi’s 12 wins.

Their closely contested history includes several memorable playoff encounters, with Islamabad holding the edge in recent elimination matches. This balanced rivalry sets the stage for another potentially thrilling contest. Babar Azam, their captain is the backbone of Zalmi’s batting lineup. Babar will need to lead from the front if Peshawar are to challenge the league leaders. Saim Ayub, the young opening batsman has shown flashes of brilliance but needs consistency. And Mohammad Haris’s aggressive wicketkeeping-batsman can change the game’s momentum in the middle order.

Alzarri Joseph, the West Indian speedster will be crucial role with the new ball on the Gaddafi Stadium pitch and expect a support from George Linde, the South African all-rounder who brings balance with his left-arm spin and lower-order batting capabilities.

As of Islamabad United, captain Shadab Khan’s role as a all-rounder leadership will be tested. He should aimsto bounce back from their first defeat. Sahibzada Farhan has been in excellent touch at the top of the order throughout the tournament.

Colin Munro, the experienced New Zealand batsman can dismantle any bowling attack on his day. And with Naseem Shah, the young pace sensation looking to exploit any early movement on offer and Imad Wasim, coming off an economical bowling performance against Lahore (2-26), with his left-arm spin could prove decisive on the Gaddafi pitch.

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is traditionally a batting paradise, with its true bounce and even pace favoring stroke-makers. However, the extreme heat (40°C/104°F) could lead to a dry surface that might offer something for spinners as the match progresses.

Morning moisture might assist the fast bowlers early on, but once that period passes, expect runs to flow. The extreme temperature will test players’ fitness and endurance throughout the match.

Peshawar’s primary challenge will be finding batting consistency beyond Babar Azam. Their approach against Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan in the middle overs could define their innings. For Islamabad, recovering their batting momentum after the collapse against Lahore will be crucial.

The toss will likely play an important role given the extreme heat. The team winning the toss might prefer batting first to avoid fielding in the most scorching conditions, though chasing has generally been preferred in PSL 2025.

Islamabad United enter as clear favorites given their superior form and quality across departments. However, Peshawar Zalmi’s back-against-the-wall situation could inspire a fighting performance.

Expect Islamabad to claim their sixth win of the tournament, unless Babar Azam produces something special to revive Zalmi’s campaign. The pressure is squarely on Peshawar, who need a victory to keep their playoff hopes realistically alive.

The 22nd match of PSL 2025 between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United promises to be a crucial encounter with significant implications for the playoff race. With United looking to cement their position at the top and Zalmi desperate to revive their campaign, expect an intense battle.