Peshawar Zalmi on Sunday beat Islamabad United by 13 runs during the 29th fixture of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.
The result also confirms that defending champions Lahore Qalandars will face Multan Sultans in the Qualifier of the tournament.
Chasing a target of 180 runs, Islamabad were all out for 166 in 19.4 overs.
Islamabad United had been set a target of 180 runs after they won the toss and decided to field first against Zalmi.
Qualifier, the winner of which will qualify directly for the final, will be played on March 15, meanwhile, Eliminator 1 will be held on March 16.
The loser of the Qualifier and winner of Eliminator 1 will clash in Eliminator 2 on March 17 for a spot in the final.
Losing wickets at regular intervals meant that Islamabad's run-chase remained bereft of momentum.
However, Faheem Ashraf gave his side a glimmer of hope with an explosive knock of 38 runs in 13 balls. But just when it seemed that Islamabad would run away with the game, Khurram Shahzad bowled two perfect yorkers to bag the remaining wickets in the final over of the match.
Zalmi posted 179-8 in their allotted 20 overs with Mohammad Haris leading the way in the innings. The opener scored 79 runs in 39 balls with the help of seven fours and five sixes.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa contributed 41 runs in 25 balls which included four fours and two sixes.
Haris and Rajapaksa added 115 runs in 58 balls for the second wicket but the Zalmi innings faded away after their departure due to regular fall of wickets.
Pacer Hasan Ali bagged three wickets, meanwhile, captain Shadab Khan claimed two scalps for Islamabad.
Babar Azam was not feeling well, which is why Tom Kohler-Cadmore led Peshawar Zalmi in today's match.
It must be noted that Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, United and Zalmi have already qualified for the playoffs, however, the knockout fixtures will be confirmed after today’s matches.
The second match of the day will be played between Qalandars and Karachi Kings at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Playing XI
Peshawar Zalmi: Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris, Tom Kohler-Cadmore (c), Haseebullah Khan (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, James Neesham, Aamer Jamal, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Khurram Shahzad, Salman Irshad, Sufiyan Muqeem
Islamabad United: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Alex Hales, Colin Munro, Sohaib Maqsood, Shadab Khan (c), Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Hassan Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Hasan Ali, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Lahore Qalandars to make first pick in platinum category during player draft event to be held on Jan 11, 2025
Cricketing body notifies ICC of decision made after chairman met with UAE's president
Opening batter becomes first in ODI cricket history to get out on ducks in all games of a series
Sufiyan Muqeem, Saim Ayub starred with ball, while Shaneen and Naseem claimed two wickets each
Uncapped Sufiyan earns his place in lineup on back of stellar performances in T20I series against Zimbabwe
Gongadi Trisha's impressive half-century saves the day for Blue Shirts
