Peshawar Zalmi stormed into the PSL 2026 final with a dominant 70-run win over Islamabad United in the Qualifier at the National Stadium, Karachi. Babar Azam led from the front with a superb century, helping Zalmi post 221/7 in 20 overs. Islamabad started quickly in the chase but lost wickets regularly and were bowled out for 151 in 18.4 overs.
Match Summary Table
| Match | Peshawar Zalmi vs Islamabad United, Qualifier |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Pakistan Super League 2026 |
| Venue | National Stadium, Karachi |
| Result | Peshawar Zalmi won by 70 runs |
| Peshawar Zalmi Score | 221/7 in 20 overs |
| Islamabad United Score | 151 all out in 18.4 overs |
| Player of the Match | Babar Azam |
| Top Scorer | Babar Azam, 103 off 59 |
| Best Bowling | Aaron Hardie, 3 wickets |
| Key Moment | Islamabad collapsed after reaching 81/1 |
Babar Azam Century Powers Peshawar Zalmi to 221/7
Peshawar Zalmi made a flying start after Mohammad Haris and Babar Azam added 72 runs for the first wicket. Haris played an explosive cameo, scoring 35 off just 16 balls with five fours and two sixes.
Babar then took control of the innings with a classy 103 off 59 balls. His knock included 12 fours and four sixes, and he kept Zalmi moving at a strong rate even after the middle-order wickets.
Kusal Mendis also played an important hand with 41 off 26 balls. His 84-run stand with Babar gave Zalmi the platform for a huge total.
Islamabad pulled things back briefly when Shadab Khan removed Michael Bracewell and Abdul Samad on back-to-back balls. Shadab finished with 3 wickets, but Aaron Hardie’s quick 20 off 10 and late runs from the lower order pushed Zalmi to 221/7.
Islamabad United Collapse for 151 in Chase
Islamabad United needed a strong start and got one through Devon Conway and Sameer Minhas. They scored 64 runs in the powerplay, keeping the chase alive early.
Sameer Minhas was the standout batter for Islamabad with 44 off 23 balls. Conway scored 20 off 14, while Mohsin Riaz added 25 off 20. However, once Minhas fell at 81/2, Islamabad lost control of the chase.
Aaron Hardie was the key bowler for Zalmi. He removed Sameer Minhas, Shadab Khan, and Haider Ali to break Islamabad’s middle order. Sufiyan Muqeem also struck twice, dismissing Mohsin Riaz and Mark Chapman.
Mohammad Basit finished the match by removing Imad Wasim and Salman Mirza. Islamabad were bowled out for 151 in 18.4 overs, giving Peshawar Zalmi a massive 70-run win and a direct place in the PSL 2026 final.
