The Pakistan Super League (PSL) continued its reputation for heart-stopping finishes this week, showcasing a contest that will be etched in the memories of cricket enthusiasts for years to come. The match in Lahore on Monday, February 26, saw Peshawar Zalmi snatch a sensational win from the jaws of defeat against Islamabad United. It was a contest that solidified the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, as fortunes fluctuated until the very last bowl was delivered, handing Zalmi their third consecutive triumph this season.
The day belonged to Babar Azam, Peshawar Zalmi’s skipper, who etched his second PSL century into the annals of T20 cricket, guiding his team to a formidable total of 202 runs on the scoreboard. However, as the second half of the match unraveled, a storm was brewing in the guise of Azam Khan, the robust wicketkeeper batter for Islamabad United. Khan’s swashbuckling innings, where he belted a sensational 75 off a mere 29 deliveries, turned the game on its head, with United at a commanding position of 181/3.
The power-hitter’s innings was laced with six boundaries and an equal number of maximums, leaving the Zalmi bowlers in despair and the fans on the edge of their seats. As Azam Khan launched a six on the penultimate ball of the 18th over, the pendulum seemed to swing in United’s favor. Yet Naveen ul Haq, the Zalmi pacer, had other plans. In a remarkable display of resilience, Haq returned to dismiss Khan, who mistimed a lofted shot, caught at mid-off, bringing about a game-altering moment.
What transpired next is what can only be described as a catastrophic collapse for Islamabad United. The 19th over, bowled by the crafty leg-spinner Arif Yaqoob, became a spectacle of mayhem as he rattled through United’s batting order. He caught Colin Munro off guard with a stumping on the first ball of the over, and before the spectators could process the setback, Yaqoob claimed a hat trick of wickets – dismissing Haider Ali, Faheem Ashraf, and Hunain Shah in quick succession. His exceptional spell ended with figures of 5/27, changing the complexion of the match entirely.
The calamitous fall of wickets left United needing 19 off the final over with a battered batting line-up. Despite a valiant six off Salman Irshad’s bowling in the last over, United could not recover from the swift blows dealt by Yaqoob. Islamabad failed to chase down the target and succumbed to a heartrending 8-run defeat.
Azam Khan’s heroics were thus clouded by the collapse that ensued, with Islamabad United reeling from a disheartening third consecutive loss. The contrast was palpable as Zalmi rejoiced their momentous victory that came from the depths of near-defeat.
Audiences were treated to a cricketing spectacle where the outcome was uncertain until the very last moment. It was a celebration of the unpredictability in the sport and a testament to the famed saying, “Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties.”
The match not only reinforced Peshawar Zalmi’s position in the tournament but also posed serious introspection for Islamabad United on their ability to handle high-pressure situations. For the cricketing fraternity and the fans, the game served up a dramatic joyride that perfectly epitomized the essence of T20 cricket – a blend of skill, unpredictability, and the sheer thrill of competition.
