After a rain-interrupted match two days ago, Islamabad United found themselves batting first, where Saim Ayub’s bowling prowess shone through as he swiftly dismissed Alex Hales on the opening delivery. Ayub struck again, removing Colin Munro in the third over, unsettling Islamabad’s top order, leaving them at 46/2 after the powerplay.
However, Agha Salman and captain Shadab Khan led a commendable recovery, forging a 65-run partnership to guide their team to 90/2 within the first 10 overs. Shadab showcased brilliance with the bat, crafting a 34-ball half-century, supported by a fruitful collaboration with Jordan Cox, pushing the team’s score to 143/3 by the 15th over.
As Islamabad’s batting gained momentum, Shadab’s impressive innings of 80 runs off 51 balls concluded when Luke Wood provided a crucial breakthrough. Azam Khan then added excitement with a fantastic cameo, scoring 29 runs off just 14 deliveries, contributing to his team’s imposing total of 196/4 in 20 overs.
Peshawar’s batting unit experienced a disastrous start as openers Saim Ayub and Babar Azam failed to replicate their previous performances, departing in the first over. The struggles continued as Mohammad Haris, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, and Rovman Powell failed to make significant contributions, leaving Peshawar reeling at 18/5 at the end of the powerplay.
The team hoped for a miraculous turnaround, finding some relief as Aamer Jamal and Paul Walter steadied the ship, taking them to 59/5 in 10 overs. The duo shifted gears thereafter, adopting an attacking approach with Jamal reaching a brilliant fifty off 28 deliveries, guiding his side to 120/5 in 15 overs.
Just out of reach for Munro, but the ball boy dives in for a sensational catch and earns a warm hug 🤗😍#HBLPSL9 | #KhulKeKhel | #IUvPZ️ pic.twitter.com/uBxe33cfzO
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 4, 2024
However, Shadab broke the 107-run partnership by dismissing Walter in the 16th over. With Walter and Jamal’s departures, Peshawar’s batting couldn’t revive further, ultimately ending at 167/9.