PSL 2025: Maaz Sadaqat’s Dream Debut Downs Islamabad | Peshawar Zalmi kept their playoff hopes alive with a commanding six-wicket victory over table-toppers Islamabad United in the 22nd match of the HBL PSL at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Friday. Chasing a modest target of 144, Zalmi recovered from an early collapse to secure the win with 20 balls to spare, thanks to a brilliant century partnership between captain Babar Azam and debutant Maaz Sadaqat.
Zalmi’s Chase Anchored by Babar and Maaz
Islamabad United’s bowlers struck early, reducing Zalmi to 38-3 inside the Powerplay. Saim Ayub, Mitchell Owen, and Mohammad Haris fell cheaply, putting pressure on the middle order. However, Babar Azam, the leading run-scorer in PSL history, steadied the innings with a composed unbeaten 53 off 49 balls, including four boundaries and a six.
The star of the chase, however, was 21-year-old Maaz Sadaqat, playing his first PSL match. The left-hander counterattacked with a scintillating 55 off just 33 deliveries, smashing four fours and three sixes. His aggressive knock shifted momentum in Zalmi’s favor before he was dismissed by Naseem Shah in the 16th over. Max Bryant sealed the victory with the winning runs, handing Zalmi their third win in seven matches.
United’s Batting Struggles Despite Late Flourish
Earlier, Islamabad United opted to bat but were restricted to 143-9 in their 20 overs. Openers Sahibzada Farhan (36 off 35) and Kyle Mayers (18 off 18) provided a steady start with a 58-run stand, but once Ahmed Daniyal broke the partnership, United’s innings unraveled.
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Mohammad Ali was the pick of Zalmi’s bowlers, taking 3-26, while the rest of the attack chipped in with timely wickets. United lost five batters between the 9th and 16th overs, collapsing to 107-7 before Ben Dwarshuis (33* off 17) played a fiery cameo, including three sixes, to push the total past 140.
Key Takeaways
- Babar Azam’s leadership and experience proved vital in guiding Zalmi through a tricky chase.
- Maaz Sadaqat’s fearless debut showcased his potential as a future star.
- Islamabad’s middle-order collapse highlighted their over-reliance on the top order, though Dwarshuis’ late surge gave them something to defend.
With this win, Peshawar Zalmi remain in contention for the playoffs, while Islamabad United will look to regroup despite still sitting at the top of the table. The match underlined the importance of partnerships and composure under pressure, with Babar and Maaz delivering when it mattered most.
