In the fifth match of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi is shaping up to be a key early-season clash. Islamabad United won the toss and opted to bat first as both sides aim to gain crucial momentum in the tournament.
Islamabad United, the three-time PSL champions, come into this match with strong form. They recently defeated Lahore Qalandars by eight wickets, chasing down a target of 139 with ease. That victory marked their sixth consecutive win in the PSL, extending their dominance from the previous season where they lifted the trophy. The team looks well-rounded, with consistent performances in both batting and bowling departments.
On the other hand, Peshawar Zalmi are looking for a turnaround after a heavy 80-run defeat against Quetta Gladiators in their season opener. While chasing 216, Zalmi could only manage 136 runs. Apart from a promising bowling spell from young pacer Ali Raza, the rest of the squad underperformed. Their batting lacked coordination, and the bowling lacked impact.
Captain Babar Azam will be hoping to lead from the front as Zalmi aim to bounce back. With attacking players like Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris, Zalmi have the potential but are still searching for rhythm in this PSL 2025 season.
Islamabad United made two changes to their playing XI, bringing in Saad Masood and Ben Dwarshuis in place of Riley Meredith and Muhammad Shahzad.
Playing XIs for PSL 2025 Match 5
Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (capt), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Mitchell Owen, Hussain Talat, George Linde, Alzarri Joseph, Mohammad Ali, Sufiyan Muqeem, Ali Raza
Islamabad United: Andries Gous, Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Salman Agha, Azam Khan (wk), Shadab Khan (capt), Jason Holder, Imad Wasim, Saad Masood, Naseem Shah, Ben Dwarshuis
