The electrifying clash between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United showcased Babar Azam’s exceptional cricketing prowess, especially his breathtaking century that secured an eight-run victory. Azam’s finesse, power-hitting, and strategic captaincy delivered a thrilling spectacle, solidifying Peshawar Zalmi’s position in the HBL Pakistan Super League. The game’s twists and turns, including a late collapse by Islamabad United, added an extra layer of excitement, making this encounter a memorable chapter in T20 cricket.
Babar Azam: Leading from the Front
Babar Azam, the talismanic captain of Peshawar Zalmi, showcased his exceptional leadership and batting prowess in a thrilling encounter against Islamabad United. Known for his elegant stroke play and consistency, Azam displayed a different side to his game, combining flair with finesse to guide his team to victory.
In Lahore, Babar Azam took charge for his team, revealing a different facet of his game. Unlike the extravagant style often associated with Twenty20 cricket, the Peshawar Zalmi skipper demonstrated a blend of flair and finesse.
The crowd at Gaddafi Stadium cheered their homegrown superstar as he faced each ball, witnessing what could be called “Babar version 2.0.” Even Zalmi coach Darren Sammy couldn’t help but smile wryly at the spectacle.
Just days after a viral video captured Babar’s angry reaction to fans shouting “ZimBabar” (a moniker given to him on social media for scoring big runs against less prominent opponents like Zimbabwe), the former Pakistan captain showcased his versatility.
With his partners falling one after another, Zalmi’s hopes rested on Babar to provide the final flourish after being put into bat by Islamabad United. In the 18th over, Babar cut loose against rookie bowler Hunain Shah. He moved across the stumps, carting the ball for four over fine leg and then smashing a six on the second delivery.
The third ball received the same treatment, with Babar finding the fine-leg boundary once again. Two more boundaries followed in the next two balls, bringing him closer to his century and driving Zalmi toward a total of 200.
Babar reached his half-century off 39 balls but accelerated to 99 off 57. He sealed his century by cutting Tymal Mills for four in the 18th over, celebrating with joy.
The most audacious of his 14 fours was perhaps the last one. In the penultimate delivery, he adjusted late to dab the ball away to the point boundary, leaving spectators in awe of his skill and adaptability.
Babar Azam’s Dominant Century
In the match against Islamabad United, Babar Azam played a captain’s innings, leading from the front with a remarkable century. Facing a challenging situation with partners falling around him, Azam took charge of the innings and displayed his mastery of the game. His innings of 111 not out off 63 balls included 14 fours and 2 sixes, anchoring Peshawar Zalmi’s innings and propelling them to a formidable total of 201-5.
Babar’s majestic innings of 111 not out off 63 balls propelled Zalmi to a total of 201-5. Despite the valiant efforts of Azam Khan (75) and Colin Munro (71) for United, the target proved insurmountable.
In the crucial moments, Babar’s century and late acceleration made all the difference. His decision to introduce spinner Arif Yaqoob in the penultimate over turned out to be decisive. Arif claimed four wickets in that over, finishing with impressive figures of 5-27. United fell short by eight runs, suffering their third consecutive loss.
Zalmi, on the other hand, have turned things around, securing three consecutive victories after starting the HBL Pakistan Super League season with two losses.
Their opening partnership against United was explosive. Saim Ayub, who had scored 88 the previous day against Lahore Qalandars, blazed to 38 off 21 balls, including three fours and two sixes (one of them a no-look hit off Tymal Mills).
After the 77-run opening stand was broken, Saim fell victim to Agha Salman’s delivery, seeing his stumps shattered. Zalmi lost two more wickets in quick succession, courtesy of Shadab Khan’s bowling.
Babar, undeterred by the 28-ball boundary drought, reached his half-century in the 13th over. Despite Paul Walter’s run-out and Rovman Powell’s brief stay, Babar anchored the innings. Asif Ali contributed an unbeaten 17 off nine balls to provide a grandstand finish.
United’s chase began purposefully, but opener Jordan Cox (13) misjudged a slower delivery from Luke Wood, resulting in his stumps being disturbed. However, Munro stood firm amidst falling wickets. Shadab’s dismissal, miscuing against spinner Arif Yaqoob, added drama to the contest.
Babar Azam’s Strategic Brilliance
Beyond his exceptional batting performance, Babar Azam also showcased his tactical acumen as a captain. His decision-making on the field, including turning to spinner Arif Yaqoob in the crucial penultimate over, proved instrumental in securing victory for Peshawar Zalmi. Azam’s leadership under pressure and ability to inspire his team were evident throughout the match.
Peshawar Zalmi’s Resurgence
Peshawar Zalmi’s victory over Islamabad United marked a significant turnaround in their HBL Pakistan Super League campaign. After facing initial setbacks with two consecutive losses, the team rallied together, securing three consecutive wins to regain momentum in the tournament. Babar Azam’s stellar performance served as a catalyst for Zalmi’s resurgence, instilling confidence and belief in the team.
Islamabad United’s Fighting Spirit
Despite facing defeat, Islamabad United displayed commendable fighting spirit throughout the match. Colin Munro and Azam Khan’s valiant efforts in the batting department kept United in contention until the late stages of the game. However, a late collapse in the batting lineup thwarted their chase, highlighting the fine margins in T20 cricket.
Munro also joined the action, striking seven fours and a six in his 53-ball innings. When Azam effortlessly dispatched Naveen-ul-Haq for a six on the fifth ball of the 18th over, United appeared poised to seal the contest, needing just 21 runs off 13 balls.
However, Azam’s fortunes took a turn on the last ball of that over as he attempted a big shot down the ground and was dismissed. The stage was set for a dramatic finish.
In the very next ball, Munro aimed to clear the boundary against Arif but ended up getting stumped. Two balls later, Babar celebrated as Haider Ali was caught in the deep. Arif’s spell concluded with two wickets off the last two balls: Faheem Ashraf’s reverse sweep found the fielder, and Powell pouched Hunain.
With 19 runs required off the final over, United’s hopes rested on Naseem, who promptly slammed Salman Irshad for a six on the second ball. However, Babar secured the victory for his side by taking the catch to dismiss Imad Wasim with just two balls remaining.
Babar Azam’s commanding century, coupled with his astute captaincy, propelled Peshawar Zalmi to victory against Islamabad United. The match showcased the essence of T20 cricket, with moments of brilliance and drama captivating fans at the Gaddafi Stadium. As the HBL Pakistan Super League continues, Azam’s leadership and batting prowess will undoubtedly remain pivotal for Peshawar Zalmi’s success.
SCOREBOARD
PESHAWAR ZALMI:
Batters & modes of dismissals R B 4s 6s SR Saim Ayub b Salman 38 21 3 2 180.95 Babar Azam not out 111 63 14 2 176.19 Mohammad Haris c&b Shadab 2 3 0 0 66.66 Haseebullah Khan lbw b Shadab 0 3 0 0 0.00 Paul Walter run out (Shadab) 19 13 2 0 146.15 Rovman Powell c Azam b Naseem 8 8 1 0 100.00 Asif Ali not out 17 9 2 0 188.88
EXTRAS (LB-4, W-2): 6
TOTAL (for five wickets, 20 overs): 201
DID NOT BAT: Luke Wood, Naveen-ul-Haq, Arif Yaqoob, Salman Irshad
FALL OF WICKETS: 1-77 (Saim), 2-80 (Haris), 3-80 (Haseebullah), 4-114 (Walter), 5-124 (Powell)
BOWLING: Naseem 4-0-32-1, Salman 4-0-25-1, Imad 1-0-17-0, Mills 2-0-30-0 (1w), Shadab 4-0-28-2, Hunain 3-0-36-0 (1w), Faheem 2-0-29-0
ISLAMABAD UNITED:
Batters & modes of dismissals R B 4s 6s SR Jordan Cox b Wood 13 10 1 0 130.00 Colin Munro st Haseebullah b Arif 71 53 7 1 133.96 Shadab Khan c Saim b Arif 6 8 0 0 75.00 Salman Ali Agha c Haris b Saim 14 8 1 1 175.00 Azam Khan c Babar b Naveen 73 30 7 5 243.33 Haider Ali c Haris b Arif 0 1 0 0 0.00 Faheem Ashraf c sub (Mousley) b Arif 1 2 0 0 50.00 Imad Wasim c Babar b Salman 1 3 0 0 33.33 Hunain Shah c Powell b Arif 0 1 0 0 0.00 Naseem Shah not out 7 2 0 1 350.00 Tymal Mills not out 1 1 0 0 100.00 EXTRAS (LB-3)
EXTRAS (LB-3): 3
TOTAL (for nine wickets, 20 overs): 193
FALL OF WICKETS: 1-32 (Cox), 2-50 (Shadab), 3-73 (Salman), 4-181 (Azam), 5-181 (Munro), 6-182 (Haider), 7-183 (Faheem), 8-183 (Hunain), 9-191 (Imad)
BOWLING: Saim 3-0-24-1, Wood 4-0-37-1, Naveen 4-0-39-1, Arif 4-0-27-5, Walter 1-0-9-0, Salman 4-0-52-1
RESULT: Peshawar Zalmi won by eight runs.
PLAYER-OF-THE-MATCH: Babar Azam
Frequently Asked Question( FAQ’s )
Q: What was the key moment in Peshawar Zalmi’s victory over Islamabad United?
A: The pivotal moment was Babar Azam’s extraordinary century, a display of finesse and power-hitting, guiding Peshawar Zalmi to triumph.
Q: Who were the standout performers in Peshawar Zalmi’s bowling attack?
A: Spinner Arif Yaqoob played a crucial role, taking five wickets, including a decisive spell in the penultimate over.
Q: How did Islamabad United’s batting lineup perform in the match?
A: Despite strong performances by Colin Munro and Azam Khan, Islamabad United faced a late collapse, falling short in the chase.
Q: Who were the standout performers in Peshawar Zalmi’s bowling attack?
A: Spinner Arif Yaqoob played a crucial role, taking five wickets, including a decisive spell in the penultimate over.
Q: Is Babar Azam’s century considered one of the highlights of the HBL PSL season?
A: Undoubtedly, Babar Azam’s century stands out as one of the defining moments in the HBL PSL, captivating fans with his masterful innings.
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