Peshwar Zalmi and Islamabad United, the defending and the former champions respectively, faced each other in the final match of the PSL 2018 to determine the new titleholders. Islamabad once again lifted the trophy as they have now become the most successful team in the league so far.

Winning the toss Zalmi decided to bat first and registered a total of 148 runs losing 9 wickets. Bangladesh batsman Sabbir Rahman joined the team for an injured Tamim Iqbal. However, he could not make it to the playing XI on Sunday.

Kamran Akmal’s dismissal initiated an early collapse for Zalmi. They became three down by the end of powerplay. Chris Jordan and Liam Dawson then restored the innings by sharing a 52-run stand.

Zalmi experienced another collapse as soon as Jordan returned to the pavilion scoring 36 runs. The Peshwar-based franchise lost 6 quick wickets while adding only 31 runs to the scoreboard.

Jordan’s exit was followed by Saad Nasim getting caught and bowled by Hussain Talat. Shadab Khan subsequently took a brace by sending Darren Sammy and Umaid Asif back to the hut. Both batsmen were trapped lbw by Shadab who had earlier dismissed Andre Fletcher on 21 runs.

Dawson was then out bowled by Mohammad Sami. Wahab Riaz prevented the opponents from getting the last wicket as he played a crucial innings of 28 off 14.

On the other hand, Islamabad had a very good start as they got a 96-run opening partnership. Opener Luke Ronchi picked up a half-century and made 51 runs before becoming the first batsman to leave the crease for Islamabad.

Another opener Sahibzada Farhan scored 44 runs before Riaz picked up his wicket. Islamabad quickly became 96/0 to 116/6 and were about to let the title slip away but Asif Ali rescued the team and cruised them to a victory with his cameo of 26 off 6. Asif’s innings was laced with three over-boundaries.

Islamabad won the match with 3 wickets and 19 balls remaining.

PSZ 148/9 (20.0 Overs)