Peshawar Zalmi kept their playoff hopes alive in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 with a convincing six-wicket win over Islamabad United at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. In a result that has thrown the points table into new suspense, Zalmi chased down a modest 144 with over three overs to spare, showcasing resilience and flair at a crucial stage of the tournament.
The win was anchored by skipper Babar Azam, who crafted an unbeaten half-century, steering the chase with calm authority. He was ably supported by emerging talent Maaz Sadaqat, who stole the spotlight with a blistering 55 off 33 balls. Their 102-run partnership for the fourth wicket turned the game on its head after Zalmi found themselves under pressure early in the innings.
Islamabad United, who opted to bat first, failed to build momentum throughout their innings. Opener Sahibzada Farhan top-scored with 36, but the rest of the lineup faltered against a disciplined bowling attack. Mohammad Ali was the standout performer for Peshawar, claiming three crucial wickets for just 26 runs and dismantling Islamabad’s middle order. Luke Wood and Alzarri Joseph maintained tight lines, while Hussain Talat and Saim Ayub chipped in with a wicket each to restrict Islamabad to a below-par score.
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Despite early setbacks in their chase—losing Mitchell Owen and Saim Ayub within the first two overs—Peshawar showed character. Mohammad Haris contributed a quickfire 13 before Babar and Maaz steadied the ship and took their team home comfortably.
The defeat marks Islamabad’s second consecutive loss and a blow to their previously solid campaign. With Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators breathing down their neck, Islamabad can no longer take qualification for granted. Their bowling unit lacked penetration on the night, with only Naseem Shah and Ben Dwarshuis offering any resistance. Kyle Mayers and Saad Masood were particularly expensive, conceding 28 and 20 runs in their brief spells respectively.
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Lost | NR | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Islamabad United | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 10 | 0.774 |
| 2 | Lahore Qalandars | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 9 | 1.110 |
| 3 | Quetta Gladiators | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 1.034 |
| 4 | Karachi Kings | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 0.445 |
| 5 | Peshawar Zalmi | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 6 | -0.507 |
| 6 | Multan Sultans | 8 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 2 | -2.597 |
As things stand, Islamabad still lead the table with 10 points from 7 matches, but their margin for error is diminishing. Lahore and Quetta, each with 9 points, are close behind. Karachi Kings follow with 8 points, while Zalmi have climbed to 6 and remain firmly in the hunt with three matches left. Multan Sultans sit at the bottom with just one win from eight games.
The PSL 2025 playoff race is wide open, and every match from here on holds massive implications. Islamabad United will face Quetta Gladiators next in a clash that could decide who tops the table, while Peshawar Zalmi look to keep their resurgence going as they eye a dramatic late run into the top four.
