PZ vs IU Qualifier PSL Match Highlights saw Peshawar Zalmi overpower Islamabad United by 70 runs in the PSL 2026 Qualifier at Karachi. Zalmi posted a commanding 221/7 in 20 overs before dismantling IU for 151 in 18.4 overs, sealing a dominant win. The result pushed Zalmi ahead in the playoff race, with Islamabad falling short despite a strong start.
PZ vs IU PSL 2026: Highlights Live Streaming & Broadcast Info
The match was broadcast across multiple global platforms with region-based coverage for PSL 2026 audiences.
- Pakistan: A Sports, PTV Sports, Geo Super, and Ten Sports (TV); Tapmad, Tamasha, and Myco (Digital)
- India: Streaming not available due to regional restrictions
- Australia & New Zealand: ESPN
- USA & Canada: Willow TV (TV); Fubo and Cricbuzz (Digital)
- United Kingdom: ARY Digital (TV); ARY Plus and Tapmad (Digital)
- Bangladesh: T Sports (TV); Tapmad (Digital)
- Sri Lanka: Dialog Television (TV); Dialog ViU app (Digital)
- Nepal: Tapmad (Digital)
- MENA: Cricbuzz (Digital); available via Cricbuzz TV on ELIFE, Switch TV, and StarzPlay
- Worldwide: Matches also be available via Sports Live Hub for global streaming access across regions.
Match Highlights
The toss at the National Stadium in Karachi went in favor of Islamabad United, who elected to field first on a surface that initially looked balanced but quickly turned into a batting paradise under lights. The decision to chase backfired as Peshawar Zalmi adapted better to conditions, building a massive total through calculated aggression and sustained boundary pressure.
Peshawar Zalmi began explosively in the powerplay, racing to 68 without loss inside six overs. Mohammad Haris set the tone with a blistering 35 off 16 balls, striking at over 200, while Babar Azam rotated strike and punished loose deliveries to keep the scoreboard accelerating. Islamabad’s bowlers struggled to find early grip as both pace and spin leaked runs.
The first breakthrough came at 6.2 overs when Haris fell after a rapid start, but Zalmi were already well ahead in tempo. Babar Azam anchored the innings seamlessly, ensuring that the scoring rate never dipped. His control over both pace and spin allowed Zalmi to stabilize after the first wicket while maintaining attacking intent.
The defining phase of the innings came through Babar Azam’s masterclass. He brought up his fifty in just 38 balls before accelerating into a dominant hundred off 57 deliveries. His 103 off 59 balls was built on timing, placement, and calculated aggression, as Islamabad’s bowlers failed to break his rhythm even with frequent changes in attack.
Kusal Mendis played a crucial supporting role with a fluent 41 off 26 balls, forming a key partnership that carried Zalmi past the 150-run mark deep into the innings. Their stand ensured that Islamabad’s bowlers, particularly Shadab Khan, were unable to control the middle overs despite picking up crucial wickets.
Shadab Khan did provide resistance with a three-wicket burst, dismissing key middle-order players and briefly halting Zalmi’s momentum. However, the damage had already been done as Zalmi had crossed the 160-run mark, and the platform was set for a late surge.
In the death overs, Aaron Hardie’s explosive 20 off 10 balls and Khurram Shahzad’s late cameo ensured Zalmi surged past 220. Despite losing wickets in quick succession, Zalmi’s aggressive intent in the final overs pushed them to a daunting 221/7, leaving Islamabad with a steep chase.
Islamabad United’s chase began with intent as Devon Conway and Sameer Minhas attacked early, reaching 50 inside just 3.5 overs. Minhas was particularly aggressive with a quickfire 44 off 23 balls, keeping IU ahead of the required rate initially and raising hopes of a strong chase.
However, the turning point arrived when Islamabad lost wickets in clusters after the powerplay. Despite reaching 100 in the 11th over, the innings began to unravel as Zalmi’s bowling attack, led by Aaron Hardie and Sufiyan Muqeem, struck at regular intervals to halt momentum.
Aaron Hardie proved decisive with a brilliant spell of 3/24, removing key middle-order batters and breaking the backbone of the chase. Supported by Sufiyan Muqeem’s two wickets and Mohammad Basit’s economical strikes, Islamabad collapsed from a competitive position to 126/7 by the 15th over.
The lower order offered brief resistance, but the required rate kept climbing beyond reach. Imad Wasim’s 22 off 15 and Chris Green’s late effort were not enough as Zalmi maintained control. Islamabad were eventually bowled out for 151 in 18.4 overs, falling well short of the target.
Peshawar Zalmi’s disciplined bowling in the middle overs and Babar Azam’s commanding century were the defining elements of the match. Islamabad’s promising start was undone by a dramatic collapse, highlighting the gap in execution under pressure.
Toss Winner
Islamabad United won the toss and elected to field first.
Key Moment
Aaron Hardie’s middle-overs burst, combined with Sufiyan Muqeem’s support, triggered Islamabad United’s collapse from a strong position into a full batting failure, completely shifting momentum toward Peshawar Zalmi.
Star Performer / MVP
Babar Azam
Babar Azam’s 103 off 59 balls, along with 2 catches, defined the match as he single-handedly powered Zalmi to 221 and ensured Islamabad never found a stable target response.
PZ vs IU Match Summary
Team | Score |
Peshawar Zalmi | 221/7 (20 overs) |
Islamabad United | 151 all out (18.4 overs) |
Result | Peshawar Zalmi won by 70 runs |
Player of the Match | Babar Azam |
Highest Run-Getter of the Series | Babar Azam 588 |
Highest Wicket-Taker of the Series | Sufiyan Muqeem 21 |
PZ vs IU Playing XI
Peshawar Zalmi: Mohammad Haris, Babar Azam, Kusal Mendis, Michael Bracewell, Abdul Samad, Aaron Hardie, Iftikhar Ahmed, Farhan Yousaf, Khurram Shahzad, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Basit
Islamabad United: Devon Conway, Sameer Minhas, Mohsin Riaz, Shadab Khan, Mark Chapman, Haider Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Chris Green, Imad Wasim, Salman Mirza, Richard Gleeson
FAQs – Yesterday’s PZ vs IU Qualifier (April 28, 2026)
Q1: What was the result of yesterday’s Peshawar Zalmi vs Islamabad United match?
A1: Yesterday (April 28, 2026), Peshawar Zalmi defeated Islamabad United in the PSL 2026 Qualifier by 70 runs. Zalmi posted 221/7, while Islamabad were bowled out for 151 in 18.4 overs. Babar Azam’s century was the highlight of the match.
Q2: Who was named Player of the Match in PZ vs IU Qualifier?
A2: Babar Azam was named Player of the Match for his outstanding 103 off 59 balls and 2 catches, which anchored Zalmi’s dominant total.
Q3: Where was the match played and who won the toss?
A3: The match was played at the National Stadium, Karachi. Islamabad United won the toss and elected to field first.
Q4: Who were the top batters in the match?
A4: For Peshawar Zalmi, Babar Azam top-scored with 103 runs. For Islamabad United, Sameer Minhas was the leading scorer with 44 runs.