ISU vs PSZ Highlights | Islamabad United Smash Zalmi by 102 Runs in PSL 2025 – Sahibzada Farhan’s Century Shines | PSL 2025 | 5th Match

Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi – PSL 2025 Match 5

Sahibzada Farhan’s explosive ton powers United to record-breaking win over Zalmi

Summary

Islamabad United produced a stunning all-round performance to crush Peshawar Zalmi by 102 runs in the 5th match of PSL 2025 at Rawalpindi. Sahibzada Farhan stole the show with a breathtaking century, scoring 106 off 52 balls, powering Islamabad to a massive 243/5. In reply, Zalmi never found momentum and were bundled out for just 141 runs. Imad Wasim and Naseem Shah led the bowling attack to hand United a thumping victory.

Scorecard

Islamabad United – 243/5 (20 Overs)

Sahibzada Farhan 106 (52), Azam Khan 69 (16), Munro 40 (27)
Alzarri Joseph 2/39, Hussain Talat 2/39

Peshawar Zalmi – 141 All Out (18.2 Overs)

Mohammad Haris 87 (47), Saim Ayub 6 (8)
Imad Wasim 3/26, Naseem Shah 2/14, Dwarshuis 2/23

Result: Islamabad United won by 102 runs

Player of the Match: Sahibzada Farhan (Islamabad United)

Introduction: Islamabad United flex title credentials with emphatic victory

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 is already turning into a spectacle, and Match 5 was a blockbuster. At the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Islamabad United put on a staggering show of dominance against Peshawar Zalmi, thrashing them by 102 runs in what became the highest win margin of the season so far. Sahibzada Farhan headlined the evening with a breathtaking century, while the bowling unit wrapped up business with ruthless efficiency.

This match was more than a win it was a statement from the two-time champions, sending a clear warning to every other franchise.

Sahibzada Farhan sets the stage ablaze with blazing ton

It’s not every day that a 20-over game witnesses a 243-run total. But Sahibzada Farhan decided to turn up the heat in Rawalpindi with an astonishing 106 off just 52 balls, smashing 13 fours and 5 sixes at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 203.85. It was clean, elegant, fearless hitting the kind of innings that lights up leagues and turns heads.

Farhan’s knock wasn't just power-packed it was calculated. He waited for the bad balls, rotated the strike, and pounced when the spinners erred in line or length. What added even more weight to his knock was the platform he provided. After Andries Gous was run out early, Farhan and Colin Munro added 144 for the second wicket to take the sting out of Zalmi’s bowling.

Islamabad’s batting unit fires on all cylinders

With Munro scoring a rapid 40 (27), and Azam Khan following with a blazing 16-ball 69, Islamabad’s top and middle order simply tore apart a clueless Zalmi bowling lineup. Azam’s knock laced with 6 sixes and 9 boundaries further drove home United’s advantage.

Even Salman Agha and Ben Dwarshuis joined the party late in the innings, adding quick runs to push the score to an almost unreal 243/5 in 20 overs.

From using the crease to masterfully maneuvering the field, Islamabad’s batters looked like men on a mission. Every boundary carried intent, and the scoreboard pressure was always going to be too much for Zalmi.

Zalmi collapse under the scoreboard pressure

If chasing 244 wasn’t intimidating enough, Zalmi found themselves reeling at 4/1 in just over a minute, when Babar Azam was caught behind off Dwarshuis. It was all downhill from there. Mitchell Owen was trapped LBW soon after, and Saim Ayub failed to build on his cautious start, dismissed for 6.

Their batting lacked rhythm, partnership, or a plan. Haris and Talat tried to anchor the innings briefly, but with Imad Wasim in his elements finishing with 3 wickets for 26 it was only a matter of time. The spin web suffocated Zalmi, and once Kohler-Cadmore was gone, the resistance fell apart.

Islamabad’s bowling seals the demolition

While the batsmen gave United a huge cushion, the bowlers didn’t slack off. Naseem Shah, fresh off national duty, bowled with express pace and tight lines, claiming the early breakthrough and finishing with 2 wickets.

But the night belonged to Imad Wasim, whose variations and clever use of angles kept Zalmi second-guessing throughout. Shadab Khan and Holder supported brilliantly, and Ben Dwarshuis also chipped in with wickets at key moments.

Zalmi were eventually bundled out for 141 in 18.2 overs, losing by a mammoth 102 runs one of the biggest defeats in PSL history.

Player of the Match: Sahibzada Farhan – A century to remember

There was no contest. Sahibzada Farhan’s 106 off 52 balls was not only one of the finest knocks of PSL 2025 but arguably one of the best the league has seen in recent years. It was a perfect blend of timing, placement, and fearless hitting. His performance didn’t just win Islamabad the game it possibly shaped their season.

What this means for both teams in PSL 2025

Islamabad United now sit comfortably at the top half of the points table, with momentum, confidence, and a well-settled combination. The return of their full-strength side including Naseem Shah, Holder, and Shadab has instantly paid off. Their bench strength, too, looks impressive.

Peshawar Zalmi, on the other hand, are in damage-control mode. Two heavy losses in two games leave them at the bottom. Babar Azam’s form, the fragile middle order, and their inconsistent bowling will be areas of concern.

They'll need to regroup quickly if they hope to stay in playoff contention.

Final Thoughts: A wake-up call and a warning shot

Islamabad United’s 102-run hammering of Peshawar Zalmi is more than just another win it’s a thunderclap. A reminder to every other side that this team, when firing on all cylinders, is nearly unstoppable. With a balanced attack, match-winning power-hitters, and a composed leadership group, ISU could very well be on their way to another PSL title.

As for Zalmi, it's time for reflection, strategy tweaks, and perhaps bold selection calls.

The 2025 PSL season has just begun heating up and Islamabad United are already looking like the ones to beat.