Both teams aim to build early momentum in tournament

(Web Desk): Islamabad United won the toss and chose to bat first against Peshawar Zalmi in the fifth match of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, as both teams aim to build early momentum in the tournament.
Islamabad United, three-time PSL champions, are in top form after a comfortable eight-wicket win over Lahore Qalandars. Chasing a target of 139, they secured their sixth consecutive PSL victory, continuing the strong performance that led them to the title last season. The team appears well-balanced, with both batting and bowling units performing effectively.
On the other hand, Peshawar Zalmi had a tough start to their campaign, suffering an 80-run defeat against Quetta Gladiators. Chasing a massive 216, Zalmi were bowled out for just 136. While young pacer Ali Raza impressed with the ball, the rest of the bowling attack struggled, and the batting lineup failed to deliver.
Zalmi captain Babar Azam will be hoping for a quick comeback, relying on star players like Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris to help the team find its rhythm.
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
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.

Policies of Qatar, other countries isolated Israel: Netanyahu
- 22 minutes ago

Sit or play? Why Jordan Love's path to Packers starter remains unique in the NFL
- 5 hours ago
Artists call for ‘Free Palestine’ at Emmy Awards in Los Angeles
- 16 hours ago
Ayesha Gul becomes first female SSP in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's history
- 14 hours ago
Govt keeps petrol price unchanged, increases HSD by Rs2.78
- 9 hours ago
Trump says TikTok deal near as US, China agree on negotiated solution
- 13 hours ago

Karachi installs 891 cameras under phase one of safe city project
- 13 hours ago

A self-driving car traffic jam is coming for US cities
- 4 hours ago

Light rain in Karachi early morning, heavy rain likely in various cities till Sept 19
- 2 hours ago

5 Pakistan Army soldiers martyred, 5 terrorists killed in IED blast in Kech clearance operation
- 2 hours ago
Met office predicts hot, dry weather in most parts of country
- 17 hours ago
PM Shehbaz arrives in Qatar for Arab-Islamic Summit
- 17 hours ago