Despite a valuable all-round effort from West Indies star Kyle Mayers, Islamabad United stumbled to their second consecutive loss in the Pakistan Super League, as they fell to a six-wicket defeat at the hands of Alzarri Joseph’s Peshawar Zalmi at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday.
Mayers, who opened both the batting and bowling for United, contributed 18 runs off 18 balls, laced with two boundaries and a towering six, and later returned to take 1-28 in two overs. But his efforts were not enough to lift Islamabad, who were outplayed in all departments by a resurgent Zalmi unit that kept their playoff hopes alive.
Scores: Islamabad United 143-9 (20 overs); Peshawar Zalmi 147-4 (16.4 overs)
United, playing without West Indian Jason Holder, won the toss and chose to bat first. They got a steady start from Mayers and Sahibzada Farhan, who stitched together a 57-run opening partnership as they navigated the early overs with composure. But momentum soon fizzled as Zalmi’s bowlers tightened the screws.
Three expensive overs during the powerplay had hinted at a high-scoring innings, but once Ahmed Daniyal broke through by dismissing Farhan for 36 off 35 balls, the floodgates opened. Mayers was next to fall, offering a simple chance after struggling to accelerate, and from there the innings never recovered.
Mohammad Ali (3-26) spearheaded Zalmi's attack, while support came from unlikely sources. Saim Ayub and Hussain Talat, both part-time bowlers, shared four overs and scalped two wickets for just 30 runs combined.
There were also concerns for United beyond the scoreboard, with captain Shadab Khan (15) forced off the field with what appeared to be a hip injury after a brief but lively eight-ball cameo. The middle and lower order collapsed, as Alzarri Joseph also chipped in with one for 29 for Zalmi
Zalmi’s chase got off to a chaotic start. In the very first over, Mayers removed Mitchell Owen (six) after the Australian had launched him for six off the opening ball. Then Ben Dwarshuis had Ayub (one) chopping on cheaply, and Mohammad Haris (13) departed, misreading a slower delivery. At 38-3, United sensed an opening.
But Zalmi’s seasoned campaigner, Babar Azam, and the elegant Maaz Sadaqat combined to shut that window firmly. The pair stitched together a match-winning 102-run stand, with both batsmen reaching fifties — Sadaqat doing so at a brisk pace and Babar playing the steady anchor role he’s made his trademark.
Babar was left unbeaten on 53 off 49 balls, including four fours and a six, while Sadaqat’s aggression at the other end saw him strike four fours and three sixes in a 33-ball 55. Even a late breakthrough from Naseem Shah, who removed Sadaqat, came too late to revive United’s hopes.
Max Bryant (four not out) sealed the deal with a composed flick to midwicket, as Zalmi handed Islamabad their second defeat of the season.
Despite the setback, Islamabad United remain top of the PSL standings with 10 points from seven games, though their aura of dominance is now slightly dented. Meanwhile, Zalmi moved to six points in fifth position.