LAHORE: Islamabad United won the toss and elected to bat first against Peshawar Zalmi in the 22nd match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.
Peshawar would be looking for rhythm to return in their ranks after two wins and four losses this season. Islamabad United despite one loss and five victories are the table toppers.
As the 2025 Pakistan Super League reaches its halfway point, Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United find themselves on contrasting frontiers heading into their fresh showdown. Peshawar Zalmi have endured a difficult campaign, managing just two victories against four defeats.
Their most recent outing ended in disappointment, suffering a comprehensive 64-run defeat to Quetta Gladiators. The batting lineup, despite being led by the talismanic Babar Azam, has consistently underperformed, raising questions about their playoff aspirations.
Islamabad United, meanwhile, started their campaign in blistering fashion with five consecutive victories, establishing themselves as the team to beat. However, their perfect record was shattered in their previous match against Lahore Qalandars, where they were handed an 88-run thrashing.
The rivalry between these two franchises has been one of the most competitive in PSL history having played 25 previous encounters, Islamabad United had 13 wins with a slight edge over Peshawar Zalmi’s 12 wins.
Islamabad United enter as clear favorites given their superior form and quality across departments. However, Peshawar Zalmi’s back-against-the-wall situation could inspire a fighting performance.
Squads
Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (C), Naseem Shah, Azam Khan, Imad Wasim, Jason Holder, Haider Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Ben Dwarshuis, Colin Munro, Rumman Raees, Andries Gous, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Irshad, Hunain Shah, Saad Masood, Kyle Mayers, Riley Meredith, Mohammad Faiq.
Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (C), Saim Ayub, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Mohammad Haris, George Linde, Mohammad Ali, Hussain Talat, Nahid Rana, Abdul Samad, Arif Yaqoob, Mehran Mumtaz, Sufiyan Muqeem, Max Bryant, Najibullah Zadran, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat, Ahmed Daniyal, Alzarri Joseph, Luke Wood.
