Farhan's Blistering Century Powers Islamabad United to 102-Run Rout of Zalmi

Sahibzada Farhan delivered one of the standout innings of the PSL 2025 season, hammering a sensational 106 off 52 balls to set up Islamabad United’s emphatic 102-run win over Peshawar Zalmi at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. It was United's second consecutive win and Zalmi's second straight loss, leaving the defending champions reeling early in the tournament.

Batting first on a flat track, United posted a mammoth 243 for 5 – the highest total of the season so far – before bowling out Zalmi for 141 in 16.3 overs. While Mohammad Haris struck a valiant 87 off 47 balls for Zalmi, the chase never truly got going.

Farhan Leads the Carnage

After a quiet start, United exploded into action when Farhan began finding the boundary with ease. The onslaught began with 22 runs off one over from teenage pacer Ali Raza, as United raced to 73 in the powerplay. Farhan’s dominance only grew, reaching his hundred off 49 deliveries, decorated with elegant flicks and powerful strokes down the ground.

He found able support in Colin Munro (40), who played second fiddle early before joining the assault. The pair added 90 runs together before both fell in quick succession, but by then, United had 163 on the board with six overs still remaining.

Late cameos from Azam Khan, Jason Holder, Salman Ali Agha, and Ben Dwarshuis added another 80 runs in the death overs, ensuring a daunting target for Zalmi.

Zalmi’s Top Order Crumbles

In reply, Zalmi’s chase was derailed almost immediately. Captain Babar Azam edged to slip for a duck off Dwarshuis, and within four overs, Zalmi were tottering at 26 for 3. Mitchell Owen and Saim Ayub fell cheaply, and the required run rate soared beyond control.

Haris offered a glimmer of hope with a defiant knock featuring clean ball-striking and inventive shot-making. He punished Holder with back-to-back sixes and kept the scoreboard ticking, but wickets tumbled around him with alarming regularity.

Imad Wasim, playing his role to perfection, stifled Zalmi's middle order and picked up three key wickets, including that of Tom Kohler-Cadmore and eventually Haris himself. Trying to clear the ropes once more, Haris holed out to long-on on 87, effectively ending Zalmi's resistance.

Ben Dwarshuis returned to wrap things up, bowling Mohammad Ali to seal a dominant win for United with 21 balls to spare.

Match Summary:

Islamabad United: 243/5 (Farhan 106, Munro 40; Joseph 2-37)
Peshawar Zalmi: 141 in 16.3 overs (Haris 87; Wasim 3-26, Dwarshuis 2-23)
Result: Islamabad United won by 102 runs

Player of the Match: Sahibzada Farhan – 106 (52 balls, 11 fours, 5 sixes)

Islamabad United now look like early contenders for the title, showcasing firepower with both bat and ball. Peshawar Zalmi, on the other hand, have much to ponder after back-to-back heavy defeats.