PES VS ISL MATCH 13

Right then, that is it from this exciting game where Peshawar Zalmi registered their third win on the trot. Next up in the Pakistan Super League 2024, it will be Lahore Qalandars taking on Multan Sultans in match number 14. This game will be played on the 27th of February 2024, at 7.30 pm IST (2.00 pm GMT), but you can join us early for all the build-up. Until then, Cheers and goodbye!

The victorious skipper of Peshawar Zalmi, Babar Azam is also the Player of the Match for his knock of 111 runs. He says that his mother came to watch him play for the first time and he feels happy to have performed well in front of her and adds that she is a good luck for him. Mentions that he and Saim Ayub were looking to dominate in the powerplay and with the fall of wickets he changed his plans in the middle but accelerated again in the death overs. Adds that he was looking for one big over and it clicked well for him after the 15th over. Credits Arif Yaqoob for his sensational bowling and says that since Paul Walter was not on the field with his hamstring issue he and Sammy decided to take a chance and unleash the leggie and it worked for the side perfectly. Closes by saying that experience always helps how to perform under pressure.

Shadab Khan the skipper of Islamabad United says they could've been smarter with the approach which could've changed the result for them specifically that 19th over. Adds that this is the beauty of cricket and things can go any way. States that their bowling has to come good especially the powerplay and death bowling where the momentum shifted towards the opposition. Concludes that they have had set roles for all the players before the start of the tournament and Haider Ali was assigned to finish for them and not specifically to open and they will come good going ahead into the tournament.

It's time for the Presentation ceremony...

Arif Yaqoob is up for a quick chat and says that Babar Azam gave him confidence and he tried to stick to his plans and it worked out well for him and the side. Adds that he was trying to throw it away from the hitting range of the batters and that got him all the wickets. Mentions that playing in the National T20 league gave him confidence and thanks to the almighty for being able to deliver on the big stage. Closes by saying that flipper is his go-to delivery.

Earlier in the innings, Babar Azam dazzled with a stellar performance, orchestrating a relentless assault on Islamabad United's bowling attack right until the final moments, remaining unbeaten with a magnificent 111 runs off just 63 deliveries. Partnering with Saim Ayub, Babar set the tone with a blazing start. Despite facing a flurry of wickets in quick succession, Babar's resilience, combined with some explosive contributions from Paul Walter and Asif Ali, propelled the team to a formidable total of 201 runs by the end of the innings. Notably, Shadab Khan and Agha Salman emerged as the standout bowlers for Islamabad United, delivering tight spells and accounting for three crucial wickets between them.

Peshawar Zalmi found themselves on the back foot early in the innings as they were caught off guard by the openers' aggressive onslaught. However, it was Luke Wood who provided them with the crucial breakthrough by dismissing Jordan Cox. Following Cox's departure, Arif Yaqoob and Saim Ayub combined forces to further dent the opposition's progress, swiftly removing the in-form duo of Shadab Khan and Agha Salman. Just when a resilient partnership between Colin Munro and Azam Khan seemed to tilt the game in Islamabad United's favour, Naveen-ul-Haq struck with precision, breaking the partnership at a crucial juncture. However, it was Arif Yaqoob's exceptional spell in the 19th over that turned the game on its head, as he claimed four crucial wickets in those 6 balls, catapulting Peshawar Zalmi to an improbable victory. Arif Yaqoob remains the standout bowler for his five-fer and Babar Azam and Co. notched up their third consecutive win, making this triumph all the more gratifying.

The new opening pair of Jordan Cox and Colin Munro ignited the chase with a scintillating start, laying a sturdy foundation from the outset. Despite Cox's departure in the fifth over, the quick succession dismissals of skipper Shadab Khan and Agha Salman posed initial setbacks. However, Colin Munro's aggressive strokeplay kept the momentum alive, complemented by Azam Khan's explosive batting prowess, forging a formidable partnership of 108 runs that propelled Islamabad United into a commanding position. Regrettably, the dismissal of both Azam Khan and Colin Munro proved to be turning points, triggering a dramatic collapse. Subsequently, Islamabad United lost 6 wickets for a mere 12 runs, crumbling under pressure and bringing an abrupt end to their chase.

What an extraordinary game we have witnessed, a thrilling rollercoaster that kept us on the edge of our seats until the very end. With momentum swinging back and forth consistently, it was a contest that epitomized the essence of cricketing drama. However, it was the unexpected collapse at the end by Islamabad United that proved to be their undoing. Despite their valiant efforts, Peshawar Zalmi seized the opportunity to claw their way back into the game ultimately clinching victory by 8 runs.

Yorker on off, Naseem shah inside edges this short fine for a single. Peshawar Zalmi have made a comeback of ages in this and won this by 8 runs.

Barring any illegal deliveries this is a game set and match for Peshawar Zalmi. Pitched up on off, Tymal Mills drills this to long off for a single.

OUT! The yellow and black of Zalmi are bang on top and they are on the cusp of winning it. On a length outside off, Imad Wasim looks to loft this over mid off but ends up miscuing it into the hands of Babar Azam at mid off for his dismissal.

Pitched up on off, Naseem Shah lofts this to long off for a single. Babar Azam could well have gone for the catch here but he hung back.

12 needed of 4 now.

SIX! They ain't done yet! Naseem Shah, what a strike. Back of a length outside off, Naseem Shah pulls this right form the middle and over the fence at deep square leg region for a monstrous maximum.

Full and wide of off, Imad Wasim slices this to third man region for a single.

OUT! One of the best over ever to be bowled in the history of PSL as Arif Yaqoob pulls this game back from nowhere into a firm grip of his side. Tossed up on off, Hunain Shah slogs and connects but lands it straight down the bucket arms of Rovman Powell at long on for a simple catch.