In a thrilling encounter at Karachi’s National Stadium, Islamabad United defeated Peshawar Zalmi, making it to the final of the HBL Pakistan Super League PSL 9.
Chasing a target of 186 runs set by Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United showcased a stellar batting performance, reaching the required total in the 19th over with 5 wickets in hand. The incredible partnership between Imad Wasim and Haider Ali, who scored 98 runs, played a great role in Islamabad United’s triumph.
Imad Wasim made 59 runs, while Haider Ali contributed a crucial 52 runs before both players were dismissed. Other notable contributions came from Martin Guptill with 34 runs and Azam Khan with 22 runs, solidifying Islamabad United’s position in the final.
Peshawar Zalmi, batting first upon Islamabad United’s invitation, posted a competitive total of 185 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Despite commendable performances from Saimeen Yub, who scored 73 runs, and Mohammad Haris, who contributed 40 runs, Peshawar Zalmi fell short in defending their target against Islamabad United’s chase.
With the ball, Islamabad United’s Nasim Shah proved to be the most effective bowler, claiming 3 crucial wickets, supported by Shadab Khan and Ubaid Maye, who secured 1 wicket each in today’s PSL 9 encounter.
The victory of PSL 9 takes Islamabad United into the final showdown, where they will face Multan Sultans. The final is scheduled to take place at the National Stadium Karachi on Monday, marking the end of PSL 9.
Tournament Recap of PSL 9
The HBL PSL 9 commenced on February 17, 2024, at the PCB’s headquarters in Lahore. This thrilling sports extravaganza unfolded across four cities – Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi – with the final showdown of the six-team tournament slated to take place at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on March 18.
Throughout the action-packed 34-match T20 tournament, Karachi hosted 11 matches, including the Qualifier, two Eliminators, and the grand final. Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi welcomed nine matches each, while Multan, the city of saints, witnessed five exciting encounters in PSL 9.
The highly anticipated clash between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings unfolded on February 24 and March 9. Gaddafi Stadium was the venue for the February 24 showdown, while National Bank Stadium played host to the riveting battle between Qalandars and Kings on March 9.
Kings, Qalandars, Sultans, and United battled it out in their home grounds for five matches each, while Peshawar Zalmi contested four matches at Pindi Cricket Stadium. Quetta Gladiators showcased their skills in three matches each in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, and clashed once with the home team Sultans at Multan Cricket Stadium on February 25.
Following the format of the previous edition, the upcoming ninth edition of HBL PSL 2024 unfolded in two legs. Multan Cricket Stadium and Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium hosted a total of 14 matches from February 17 to 27. The cricketing action then shifted to Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium and Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, where 16 thrilling encounters took place from February 28 to March 12.
Overview of PSL 9 Matches
February 17, 2024 Lahore Qalandars v Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore
February 18, 2024 Quetta Gladiators v Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore; Multan Sultans v Karachi Kings, Multan Cricket Stadium
February 19, 2024 Lahore Qalandars v Quetta Gladiators, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore
February 20, 2024 Multan Sultans v Islamabad United, Multan Cricket Stadium
February 21, 2024 Peshawar Zalmi v Karachi Kings, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore; Multan Sultans v Lahore Qalandars, Multan Cricket Stadium
February 22, 2024 Quetta Gladiators v Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore
February 23, 2024 Multan Sultans v Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Cricket Stadium
February 24, 2024 Lahore Qalandars v Karachi Kings, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore
February 25, 2024 Multan Sultans v Quetta Gladiators, Multan Cricket Stadium; Lahore Qalandars v Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore
February 26, 2024 Peshawar Zalmi v Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore
February 27, 2024 Lahore Qalandars v Multan Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore
February 28, 2024 Karachi Kings v Islamabad United, National Bank Stadium
February 29, 2024 Karachi Kings v Quetta Gladiators, National Bank Stadium
March 2, 2024 Peshawar Zalmi v Lahore Qalandars, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Islamabad United v Quetta Gladiators, Pindi Cricket Stadium
March 3, 2024 Karachi Kings v Multan Sultans, National Bank Stadium
March 4, 2024 Islamabad United v Peshawar Zalmi, Pindi Cricket Stadium
March 5, 2024 Peshawar Zalmi v Multan Sultans, Pindi Cricket Stadium
March 6, 2024 Quetta Gladiators v Karachi Kings, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Islamabad United v Lahore Qalandars, Pindi Cricket Stadium
March 7, 2024 Islamabad United v Karachi Kings, Pindi Cricket Stadium
March 8, 2024 Peshawar Zalmi v Quetta Gladiators, Pindi Cricket Stadium
March 9, 2024 Karachi Kings v Lahore Qalandars, National Bank Stadium
March 10, 2024 Islamabad United v Multan Sultans, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Quetta Gladiators v Lahore Qalandars, National Bank Stadium
March 11, 2024 Karachi Kings v Peshawar Zalmi, National Bank Stadium
March 12, 2024 Quetta Gladiators v Multan Sultans, National Bank Stadium
March 14, 2024 Multan Sultans v Peshawar Zalmi, National Bank Stadium
March 15, 2024 Islamabad United v Quetta Gladiators National Bank Stadium
March 16, 2024 Peshawar Zalmi v Islamabad United, National Bank Stadium
March 18, 2024 Final, Multan Sultans v Islamabad United, National Bank Stadium
As HBL PSL 9 nears its conclusion, the final showdown today will see Multan Sultans facing off against Islamabad United, bringing an end to an action-packed season of cricket.
