Twitter Reactions: Islamabad United down Peshawar Zalmi by six wickets to return to winning ways

Islamabad United pulled off a dominating all-round display to beat Peshawar Zalmi in the 12th match of the Pakistan Super League 2023 on Thursday (February 23). Hasan Ali, playing first time this season, took 3/35 to contain the Zalmi on 156/8 and then Rahmanullah Gurbaz smashed 62 off 31 to help his team chase the target with six wickets and 31 balls remaining.

Shadab Khan won the toss for the United and elected to bowl first at Karachi's National Bank Arena. But his decision seemed to backfire as the Zalmi as Babar Azam and Mohhamad Haris pulled off a 76-run stand for the opening wicket in just seven overs.

Shadab gave the United an opening with Haris' wicket, who smashed 40 off just 21 and after that the Zalmi struggled to regain their confidence. Babar top-scored 75 off 58 with the help of seven fours and a six and remained unbeaten, but the likes of Saim Ayub, Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Rovman Powell could not even score in double digits as the United scored just 156/8. Hasan Ali took three wickets while Shadab ended his poor form with an impressive economical spell. 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, playing his first game this season, gave the United a flying start with two fours and two sixes in the first two overs. Arshad Iqbal bowled out Colin Munro on just nine runs in the third over but that didn't make any difference. 

In-form South African star Rassie van der Dussen and Gurbaz put in a 67-run stand for the second wicket to ensure an early win for the United. Gurbaz smashed 62 off 31 before getting caught out off Usman Qadir's delivery in the ninth over while Rassie scored a crucial 42 off 29 before getting run out in the 13th over.

But Asif Ali kept the momentum on with an unbeaten 29 off 13 knock to chase the target in just 14.5 overs with six wickets to spare. The win has boosted Islamabad United to the second position with four points in three games, while Peshawar Zalmi dropped to the fourth position with two wins in four games.

Here is how Twitter is reacting to Islamabad United's victory:

CricTracker@Cricketracker

Islamabad United wins it comfortably as Rahmanullah Gurbaz powers them to a 6-wicket win. #IslamabadUnited #Gurbaz #PSL

10:55 PM · Feb 23, 2023

676

Islamabad United@IsbUnited

Its not everyday you see a player getting 'Moment of the Match" and "Player of the Match" at once! ✨ Take a bow @RealHa55an! #UnitedWeWin #PZvIU #HBLPSL8

11:10 PM · Feb 23, 2023

73952

Nawaz 🇵🇰@Rnawaz31888

Islamabad United chased down a target of 157 in 14.5 overs. What a scary batting unit. And they've still got #AlexHales to come.

10:45 PM · Feb 23, 2023

825

Islamabad United@IsbUnited

Things we love to see! 😍 #UnitedWeWin

07:10 PM · Feb 23, 2023

5.1K136

Shaharyar Ejaz 🏏@SharyOfficial

King Babar Azam appreciates Hassan Ali for his Two in quick succession 💯♥️. #PSL8 #HBLPSL8 #PSL2023 #PSL08 #BabarAzam

08:19 PM · Feb 23, 2023

1.5K53

SAAD 🇵🇰@SaadIrfan258

Babar Azam the lone warrior 💔 On a slow pitch where entire Batting line collapsed, he stood firm & took his team to respectable total 👏 BIG ONE BABAR AZAM 🐐👑

09:10 PM · Feb 23, 2023

46625