Imad, Haider Heroics Seal Final Spot for United

Muhammad Waqas

Peshawar Zalmi: 185/5 (20) | Saim 73(44), Haris 40(25) | Naseem 3/30, Shadab 1/35

Islamabad United: 189/5 (19) | Imad 59*(40), Haider 52*(29) | Saim 2/34, Khurram 1/22  

Islamabad United clinches final spot with spectacular five-wicket victory over Peshawar Zalmi in the Eliminator 2.

Fueled by a historic sixth-wicket partnership between Imad Wasim and Haider Ali proved decisive for United.

Chasing 186, Islamabad’s start was far from ideal. They lost three wickets within the first four overs, with Saim Ayub dismissing Alex Hales and Agha Salman while Mehran Mumtaz removed Shadab Khan. Martin Guptill provided some resistance with a quick-fire 21-ball 34 runs, but his dismissal in the sixth over left United struggling at 50/4 (6).

Azam Khan brought hope (22 off 17) with a 41-run partnership alongside Imad Wasim, but Luke Wood shattered his stumps in the 11^th over, leaving United needing 95 runs in 9 overs. However, a magnificent partnership between Imad Wasim and Haider Ali (52 not out) turned the tide for United. The duo scripted an unbeaten stand of 98 runs. Haider Ali unleashed his power, smashing sixes in his rapid-fire 29-ball knock. Haider becomes the only player in HBLPSL history to hit a half-century at number seven in a successful chase.

Imad Wasim on the other hand, provided crucial stability with a composed unbeaten 59 runs off 40 balls. The pair capitalized on some loose bowling from Zalmi in the middle overs, particularly Aamir Jamal’s expensive 18^th over, yielding 23 runs.

Islamabad United chased down the target with one over to spare, securing a place in the final dramatically.

Earlier, sent into bat first, Peshawar Zalmi openers Saim Ayub and Babar Azam provided a solid foundation with a swift 72-run stand in just 7.4 overs. Naseem Shah provided the breakthrough for United, dismissing Babar (25 off 22) with a stunning catch by Shadab Khan. Mohammad Haris (40 runs off 25) continued the momentum with Saim, adding 59 runs. However, Shadab Khan struck to get rid of Saim after his blistering 73 off 44, including four sixes and six boundaries.

Despite Naseem Shah (3/30) taking key wickets, cameos from Tom-Kohler Cadmore (18 off 9) and Aamir Jamal (17* off 9) propelled Zalmi to post 185/5.

Player of the Match: Imad Wasim

Islamabad United will face Multan Sultans on 18^th March, remembering United played two finals in history and have never lost.