Credit: PSL
Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam looked disappointed after his team registered a crushing defeat against defending champions Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 match held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This was Peshawar’s second defeat in the competition as the Azam-led side recorded an 80-run loss at the hands of Quetta Gladiators in the tournament’s second match. Against Islamabad, Peshawar was tasked to chase a target of 244 runs. Following the humongous score, Babar was expected to display fighting spirit with his bat but the 30-year-old again looked nervous and lost his wicket in the second over of the innings.
The right-handed batter fell to Ben Dwarshuis and went back to the dugout after scoring only one off three. Peshawar capitulated to reigning champions after accumulating only 141 in 18.2 overs. Following the game, Babar looked despondent while having a chat with presenter Zainab Abbas. During the conversation, Shadab burst onto the scene, pulled Babar’s cheeks and said “smile” to cheer him up. After the Islamabad captain’s appearance, Zainab asked Babar, “Koi jawab hai Shadab ke liye?” “Denge Inshaallah,” replied Babar.
Sahibzada Farhan’s maiden ton shatters Peshawar Zalmi’s confidence
Defending champions Islamabad played a ferocious brand of cricket and posted their second-highest total in PSL. Batting first after winning the toss, United got a magnificent innings from their opener Sahibzada Farhan, who racked up 106 off just 52. It was the right-handed batter’s maiden PSL ton.
Farhan’s outstanding knock also got him the player of the match (POTM) award. Islamabad are now leading the table with two off their two wins. Before Zalmi, Islamabad got the better of Lahore Qalandars in the competition’s opening match. United’s next encounter will be against Multan Sultans at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on April 16.
