Salman reflected on the batting collapse that led to their loss

LAHORE: Following Islamabad United’s defeat against Peshawar Zalmi at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10, stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha shared his thoughts.

During the post-match press briefing, Salman talked about the team’s plan and the batting order failure that contributed to their defeat.

“We aimed to provide opportunities to everyone before the important matches, ensuring they are prepared to perform effectively under pressure. However, following the fall of the initial wicket, our batting order faltered. The continuous loss of wickets was detrimental, which is something you cannot afford in T20 matches, and it prevented us from establishing a substantial total,” Salman stated.

The defending champions experienced their second defeat in the competition, succumbing to Zalmi by a margin of six wickets.

In pursuit of a target of 144, Zalmi initiated their innings assertively, with Mitchell Owen hitting the first ball bowled by Kyle Mayers for a straight six.

However, Mayers responded swiftly, dismissing Owen on the subsequent delivery and paving the way for captain Babar Azam to join Saim Ayub at the crease.

Ben Dwarshuis amplified the strain by removing Ayub for a mere single run in the second over, diminishing Zalmi’s score to 12-2 within 1.2 overs.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Haris then stabilized the innings through a partnership of 26 runs for the third wicket before Riley Meredith dismissed Haris, who scored 13 runs from 12 balls.

Making his PSL debut, Maaz showcased his skill with a significant half-century, enhancing the chase alongside captain Babar.

Azam provided stability to the innings with an unbeaten 53 off 49 balls, marking his 35th PSL half-century.

Despite Naseem Shah disrupting the 100-run partnership by dismissing Maaz for an impressive 55 off 33 balls, Zalmi successfully concluded the chase in the 17th over.

Max Bryant secured the victory by scoring the final runs, guaranteeing Zalmi’s triumph without difficulty.