PSL: Peshawar Zalmi gets the better of Islamabad United

After losing to Multan Sultan in the opening fixture of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), defending champion Peshawar Zalmi registered its first win on Saturday. At the Dubai International Stadium, Zalmi defeated Islamabad United by 34 runs.

Published : Feb 25, 2018 00:09 IST

Kamran Akmal playing a quick-fire 53 off 32 deliveries, Zalmi got the momentum going.

After losing to Multan Sultan in the opening fixture of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), defending champion Peshawar Zalmi registered its first win on Saturday. At the Dubai International Stadium, Zalmi defeated Islamabad United by 34 runs.

Islamabad captain Rumman Raees won the toss and put Zalmi in to bat. And with opener Kamran Akmal playing a quick-fire 53 off 32 deliveries, Zalmi got the momentum going.

Akmal was well backed by Bangladesh batsman Tamim Iqbal — who chipped in with 39 off 29 balls.

Though Islamabad bowlers later struck, the efforts were not enough as Dwayne Smith and Mohammad Hafeez helped Zalmi reach 176-6 in 20 overs.

In reply, Islamabad kept losing wickets at regular intervals. The biggest partnership of 38 runs for the ninth wicket came a little too late as a 30-ball 54 from Ashraf went in vain. For Zalmi, debutant Umaid Asif scalped four wickets.

Though Islamabad tried regrouping, it was too late and the side could manage to reach 142-9 in 20 overs.

Asif was adjudged the player of the match.