Islamabad United won the toss and chose to bat first against Peshawar Zalmi in the fifth match of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 season, as both teams look to build early momentum.
Islamabad United, the three-time PSL champions, are coming off an eight-wicket win over Lahore Qalandars. The side chased down a target of 139 with ease in what marked their sixth consecutive PSL victory, continuing the form that saw them lift the trophy last season. The team looked balanced and composed, with both the batting and bowling departments performing efficiently.
In contrast, Peshawar Zalmi suffered a heavy 80-run defeat to Quetta Gladiators in their opening fixture. Chasing 216, Zalmi crumbled to 136 all out. Their batting order lacked clarity, and except for an impressive spell from teenage pacer Ali Raza, the bowling appeared largely ineffective.
Zalmi captain Babar Azam will be looking for a quick turnaround as the team features explosive players like Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris but has yet to find a cohesive rhythm this season.
Islamabad United made two changes to their XI for today’s match, bringing in Saad Masood and Ben Dwarshuis in place of Riley Meredith and Muhammad Shahzad.
Playing XIs
Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (capt), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Mitchell Owen, Hussain Talat, George Linde, Alzarri Joseph, Mohammad Ali, Sufiyan Muqeem, Ali Raza
Islamabad United: Andries Gous, Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Salman Agha, Azam Khan (wk), Shadab Khan (capt), Jason Holder, Imad Wasim, Saad Masood, Naseem Shah, Ben Dwarshuis.
