Babar and Hardie power Peshawar Zalmi into the PSL final

PESHAWAR ZALMI CRUSH UNITED IN PSL SEMIFINAL, BOOK FINAL SPOT

Karachi, Pakistan - In a thrilling encounter at the National Stadium, Peshawar Zalmi secured a resounding 70-run victory over United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) semifinals, sending them to the final of the tournament. The star-studded lineup of Zalmi, led by the in-form Babar Azam, proved too strong for United, who struggled to contain the onslaught.

Chasing a challenging total of 221, United's batting lineup failed to deliver, with the team managing only 151 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Zalmi's bowlers, led by the impressive Sufiyan Muqeem, who took three crucial wickets, ensured that United never got a foothold in the match.

Earlier, Babar Azam and Haider Ali's blistering partnership in the death overs propelled Zalmi to a formidable total of 221. Babar, who has been in exceptional form throughout the tournament, smashed 94 runs off just 45 deliveries, including 10 fours and 5 sixes. His 54-ball century was a testament to his incredible batting skills.

Haider Ali, who has been a revelation in the PSL this season, chipped in with a valuable 43 runs off 25 deliveries, including 4 fours and 2 sixes. The duo's 83-run partnership in the final 6 overs of the innings proved to be the turning point, as Zalmi's total seemed almost unattainable for United.

Zalmi's bowlers, who have been a strength throughout the tournament, continued their impressive form, restricting United to a modest total. Sufiyan Muqeem, who took 3 wickets, was ably supported by the experienced Wahab Riaz, who took 2 wickets.

The win marks Zalmi's third appearance in the PSL final, and they will look to make it a hat-trick when they face the winner of the other semifinal match between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings in the final. The final is scheduled to take place on May 1 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Match Stats:

- Peshawar Zalmi: 221/5 (20 overs)

- United: 151/10 (18.2 overs)

- Player of the Match: Babar Azam (94 runs off 45 deliveries)

Final Standings:

- Peshawar Zalmi: 14 points

- United: 6 points

- Lahore Qalandars: 12 points

- Karachi Kings: 10 points