Islamabad United have booked their place in the PSL 2024 final thanks to a thrilling come-from-behind victory over Peshawar Zalmi on Saturday. This marks the second consecutive day where all-rounder Imad Wasim proved instrumental for his team, this time with a match-winning knock.
Shaky start for Islamabad United
Chasing a target of 186, Islamabad United got off to a shaky start, losing their top three batsmen – Alex Hales, Agha Salman and Shadab Khan – cheaply. Martin Guptill provided a brief spark with a 34-run cameo, but his dismissal just before the powerplay overs ended left United in a precarious position at 50/4.
With the odds stacked against them, Haider Ali emerged as the unlikely hero for United. His aggressive knock of 52 not out off just 29 deliveries, peppered with boundaries, revived their chase. Imad, initially playing a cautious innings, began to accelerate alongside Haider, contributing a crucial 59 himself.
Imad Wasim and Haider Ali change game for Islamabad
The turning point came in the 18th over bowled by Aamer Jamal. Needing 35 runs off the final three overs, Imad and Haider took full advantage. Imad smashed boundaries at the start and end of the over, while Haider launched two sixes over deep midwicket, propelling them closer to victory. The Islamabad side clinched victory with an over to spare, with Imad providing the finishing touches.
Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi had posted a decent total of 185-5 on the board, thanks to a brilliant opening partnership between Saim Ayub and Babar Azam. Ayub, who later shone with the ball, surprised everyone with a blazing 73-run knock. However, a middle-order collapse triggered by Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah restricted them from reaching a truly dominant total.
Also READ: Pakistan Super League 2024 – Stats
Islamabad United will now face Multan Sultans in the final on Monday, March 18.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Congratulations Islamabad United!
Islamabad United roar into the PSL 9 final after a spectacular win over Peshawar Zalmi! Imad Wasim shines with both bat and ball, a true all-around MVP! Match-winning Partnership between Haider and Imad 👏
Can Islamabad United conquer the… pic.twitter.com/lY4aFPZ6Cq
— Saeed Ajmal (@REALsaeedajmal) March 16, 2024
They teased Imad Wasim with 'Babar, Babar' chants, and he responded by eliminating their favorite player's team from PSL 9.#BabarAzam #HBLPSL9 pic.twitter.com/VDKUrmT3bP
— 𝗦𝗮𝗺. (@sambillingg) March 17, 2024
4 overs for 23
59* off 40 balls2 player of the match awards in a row for Imad Wasim#PSL2024 #PZvIU pic.twitter.com/JpMk4q1qZp
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) March 16, 2024
What a thrilling win for catapulting us straight into the finals! @ImadWasim ‘s role has been pivotal in getting us here, and tonight #HaiderAli ‘s performance was simply sublime. Another tournament final in sight – let's bring it home! 🏏💥 #PSL9 @IsbUnited #FinalsDay
— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11) March 16, 2024
You've dropped him from the T20 World Cup and ODI World Cup merely due to your ego. He's single-handedly demolished your entire team in the knockout stages. Take that, Babarson and Ling. Next time, carefully consider before mocking. Maddy Madness, the clutch player!🔥#ImadWasim pic.twitter.com/2Cq1IaTy9F
— ÃbduÍ Réhmañ (@LORDXSHEIKH786) March 16, 2024
Imad Wasim’s one 50 in this season is more valuable than Babar Azam’s 569 runs in the season.
The difference between a clutch player and a statpadder pic.twitter.com/FquDh4HnFB
— yang goi (@GongR1ght) March 16, 2024
ISLAMABAD UNITED QUALIFIED INTO THE FINALS OF PSL 2024..!!!!
Imad Wasim – 59*(40)
Haider Ali – 52*(29)What an incredible partnership under pressure, they were down & out with 91/5 then chase down 186 runs in Eliminator 2 – Team Mike Hesson has done it in Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/bXtpkl6SYY
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 16, 2024
Imad Wasim finished Cricketer, along with Haider Ali finishing the Babar Azam team.
Babar Azam is the highest run getter but his strike rate is not even in the top 20 batsman of the PSL.
He can make his runs but he can't be a match winner for his Team.pic.twitter.com/suBk7Dep6S
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) March 16, 2024
The Maddy Madness is real 😎
🌟 PLAYER OF THE MATCH IMAD WASIM 🌟#HBLPSL9 | #KhulKeKhel | #PZvIU pic.twitter.com/UpYnxHT201
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 16, 2024
What a brilliant knock by "Imad Waseem" and "Haider Ali"🌸🥳🎉#PZvsIU #PSL2024 #ImadWasim pic.twitter.com/y6YtyHFqdb
— Ishaq Ali (@NoBody44353253) March 16, 2024
"THERE IT IS. WHAT A PERFORMANCE. WHAT A KNOCK. TAKE A BOW." 🔥
With the ball – 0 for 23 (4 overs)
With the bat – 59* off 40 balls. #ImadWasim saved his best for when it mattered the most. Showcased the value of an experienced player. 👏 pic.twitter.com/SWAJQMcjxV— Minha Anwar (@minhaanwar098) March 16, 2024
Imad Wasim on 🔥🔥🔥. #HBLPSL9 pic.twitter.com/mNCZSe71lL
— Muhammad Noman (@Nomancricket29) March 16, 2024
Also WATCH: Chris Jordan bowls an inch-perfect yorker to clean up Babar Azam in Qualifier 1 – PSL 2024
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