PSL | Imad Wasim's heroics intertwined with Haider Ali's courageous batting propell Islamabad to finals

Eyeing a spot in the finals for the fifth time, Peshawar Zalmi clashed with Islamabad United in the second eliminator at Karachi's National Stadium. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Islamabad skipper Shadab Khan led his team onto the field as Peshawar's opening duo, Babar Azam and Saim Ayub, commenced their innings with gusto. The Zalmi batsmen surged to 59/0 by the end of the powerplay.  However, Islamabad's pace spearhead, Naseem Shah, struck Babar down in the eighth over providing a breakthrough for his team. Nevertheless, Saim continued his impressive display, reaching his half-century off just 27 deliveries, steering Zalmi to 98/1 at the halfway mark. As Haris picked up the pace and Saim sustained his dominance, the Zalmi further advanced to 130/1 after 14 overs. However, the partnership was disrupted by Shadab Khan, who claimed Saim's wicket after his spirited 73 off 44 deliveries. Subsequently, Islamabad's bowlers regained momentum, curtailing Peshawar's run flow and removing Haris, Rovman Powell, and Tom Kohler-Cadmore in the slog overs. Despite Islamabad's resurgence, Naseem Shah's stellar performance with the ball, securing a three-wicket haul, enabled Islamabad to limit Peshawar to 185/5 at the end of their innings.

Islamabad United found themselves in dire straits at the start of their batting innings, losing four key wickets during the powerplay. Islamabad were left reeling at 50/4 by the powerplay's conclusion with Alex Hales, Agha Salman, Shadab Khan, and Martin Guptill back in the hut. Yet, Imad Wasim and Azam Khan stepped up, stabilizing the innings with a resilient 35-run partnership, guiding their side to 85/4 after 10 overs. However, Luke Wood's precise delivery in the 11th over dismissed Azam, breaking the Imad-Azam alliance. Undeterred, Islamabad persevered with Imad and Haider Ali steering them to 151/5 by the 17th over, showcasing a vital 60-run partnership. Injecting excitement into the game, Haider accelerated his innings in the 18th over, unleashing boundaries and massive sixes. Both Imad and Haider achieved half-centuries, orchestrating a remarkable victory for Islamabad United by five wickets. With this triumph, Islamabad secures their spot in the finals, where they will clash against Multan Sultans on Monday.

That was deadly!

pic.twitter.com/h2NwkdktwX

— Grahman (@Grahman326048) March 16, 2024

He wasn't expecting it!

Luke wood bowls a nasty bouncer after reading your tweet

— Archer (@poserarcher) March 16, 2024

Scary bouncer from Wood!

Deadly bouncer to Haider ali by Luke wood 🥵🔥



I hope he's fine 🙏🏻#HBLPSL9 #BabarAzam

— Eitezaz Raheel (@MuhammadEitezaz) March 16, 2024

Haha!

Yaar Haider Ali se tu na score Khao bura lgta ha yaar #PZvsIU #BabarAzam #HBLPSL9

— Zubair Butt (@Zubair_468) March 16, 2024

LOL! Hilarious!

Luke Wood, Babar ki punjabi daant/galiyan khatay huey pic.twitter.com/SEWbd9h6Og

— PCT meme | Bully 🐂 (@PctMeme) March 16, 2024

Haa bhaii that was some serious bouncer!

Luke wood bhai bndy ki jaan lo gy kya💀

— Mirza Wasiq (@wasiqhasandps) March 16, 2024

Yeah buddy!!

Nothing can stop Islamabad united from winning this PSL🫶🏼🥰🥰🥰

— Noor Inam (@noorinam1) March 16, 2024

Good match fact!

Islamabad United to win 12 off 12 balls against Peshawar Zalmi.#HBLPSL

— Talha Bhatti 🇵🇰 (@talhathebhatti) March 16, 2024

Brilliant fight back!

What a come back by IslamabadUnited



What a power show by HaiderAli 



Massive 



Take a Bow. Wow

— Fahmidah Yousfi (@fahmidahyousfi) March 16, 2024

haaa!

IMAD WASIM HAS WON IT SINGLEHANDEDLY FOR ISLAMABAD UNITED! 👏👏

— Taha (@taha_tj30) March 16, 2024