ISU vs PSZ 12th Match, PSL 2023

In pursuit of 157, the United openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Colin Munro went all guns blazing early on and took away the scant chance Peshawar had to win this contest. The right-left duo exerted pressure on Zalmi bowlers and stitched a quick 31-run opening partnership before Arshad Iqbal cleaned up Munro for 9(5). The right-hander Gurbaz continued the assault from the other end and he was joined by in-form Rassie van der Dussen. 

The South African Rassie unfolded some innovative shots by frequently venturing the reverse sweep. The duo of Gurbaz and Rassie cruised United to 80 runs after the powerplay, which is the highest powerplay score so far this season. Gurbaz was the leading figure in their partnership while Rassie was also quick to punish the looseners. The 67-run partnership was ceased by Usman Qadir as Gurbaz departed after a magnificent 62(31), including 7 fours and 4 maximums. 

The wicket of Gurbaz did not distort United’s spirits as the early assault had the asking run rate under control all the way through. Rassie registered 42(29) before being involved in a mix-up. Buoyed by some late hitting by Asif Ali 29*(13), United went over the line with ease. Usman Qadir and Arshad Iqbal were the only successful bowlers for Zalmi but they both were expensive. 

Earlier in the day, after being invited to bat first, the Peshawar Zalmi openers Mohammad Haris and Babar Azam started the innings on a positive note as both the right-handers played some captivating strokes and pick-up shots inside the powerplay. The duo kept moving the scorecard at a swift rate and cruised 69 after the end of the powerplay. Following that, the skipper Shadab Khan brought himself into the attack and had an immediate impact as he removed Haris for 40(21).

The young Saim Ayub 3(3) was the next batter to fall as Mubasir Khan had the wood over him. Following that, Hasan Ali singlehandedly brought United back into this contest by cleaning up Tom Kohler-Cadmore 1(4) and Rovman Powell 0(2) in a single over. To fan the flames, the right-arm speedster then got rid of James Neesham 6(8) in his next over and left Zalmi reeling at 99/4 at one stage. 

The skipper Babar Azam registered his 25th PSL half-century and was gluing the innings together for Zalmi. He was then joined by Dasun Shanaka and the duo assured a brief period of respite by stitching a 27-run partnership but Faheem Ashraf dismissed Shanaka for 11(10) at a crucial juncture. Following that, the Zalmi headed towards another mini-collapse but it was Babar Azam’s 75* (58) that helped Zalmi post a respectable total on the scorecard. Stick around for the post-match presentation!