LAHORE: Defensive champions Islamabad United agonized their second defeat in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 after a six-wicket loss to Peshawar Zalmi at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.
Chasing an uncertain target of 144, Zalmi got off to a burning start as Mitchell Owen smashed a straight six off the first distribution from Kyle Mayers.
Though, Mayers hit back on the very next ball, eliminating Owen and carrying Captain Babar Azam to the wrinkle along Saim Ayub.
Ben Dwarshuis constant the pressure by discharging Ayub for just one run in the following over, falling Zalmi to 12-2 in just 1.2 overs.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Haris then stabilized the innings with a 26-run stand for the third wicket before Riley Meredith detached Haris, who scored 13 off 12 balls.
Making his PSL entrance, Maaz impressed with an intense half-century, hastening the chase alongside his skipper. Babar Azam also played a calm innings, registration his 35th PSL fifty while attaching the chase.
With just four runs required, Naseem Shah repaid to the attack and over the 100-run partnership by let go Maaz for a stellar 55 off 33 balls.
However, Zalmi comfortably completed the chase in the 17th over, with Babar remaining unbeaten on 53 off 49 deliveries and Max Bryant beating the winning runs.
– Updated PSL 10 Points Table –ย
Despite the reverse, Islamabad United continue at the top of the table with 10 points from seven matches, boastful five wins and a strong net run rate (NRR) of 0.774.
Lahore Qalandars, having played one more match, conquer second place with nine points from eight games, four wins and the best NRR of the tournament so far at 1.110.
Quetta Gladiators also have nine points but from seven matches, employing third due to a marginally lower NRR of 1.034.
Karachi Kings sit fourth with eight points from seven matches and an NRR of 0.445, despite matching Quetta and Lahore in terms of wins.
Peshawar Zalmi have scaled to fifth place with six points from seven matches, however their negative NRR of -0.507 remains a concern.
Multan Sultans, with only one win in eight matches, have been officially removed from the tournament.
