Peshawar Zalmi vs Islamabad United Live: United Dominate in Powerplay

KARACHI: Islamabad United ignited their pursuit of a record 222-run target with an aggressive powerplay performance, finishing the first six overs at 58/1. Despite the late loss of Devon Conway in the final over of the restriction period, United’s aggressive start kept the contest at the National Stadium Karachi wide open.

Opening the innings with intent, Sameer Minhas and Devon Conway took on the Peshawar Zalmi new-ball attack from the outset. Minhas was particularly clinical, finding the boundary with ease to race into the 40s. The breakthrough for Zalmi finally came at the 5th over when Michael Bracewell outfoxed Conway. The New Zealander, who had looked dangerous with a quickfire 20 off 14 balls (including one four and two sixes), mistimed a reverse sweep and was caught by Abdul Samad.

Following Conway’s departure, Mohsin Riaz joined Minhas to navigate the remainder of the Powerplay. While the scoring rate dipped slightly as Zalmi introduced spin, United reached the 8-over mark at 81/1, maintaining a run rate of over 10 per over. Minhas remains the linchpin of the chase, currently unbeaten on 44 off 22 balls*, while Riaz has settled in with 15*.

With 141 runs required from the final 12 overs, Zalmi captain Babar Azam turned to Sufiyan Muqeem to dry up the runs in the middle phase. 

United, however, still possess significant depth with the likes of Mark Chapman and Shadab Khan waiting in the dugout.

Watch Peshawar Zalmi vs Islamabad United live on tapmad.