Islamabad United decimate Peshawar Zalmi by nine wickets in PSL clash 

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad United began their bid for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) trophy by defeating Peshawar Zalmi by nine wickets in their Pakistan Super League (PSL) clash at the National Stadium in Karachi on Sunday.
United easily chased Zalmi’s 169-run target in the 16th over of the match, with 25 balls to spare. The two-time champions won the toss and put the ‘Yellow Storm’ to bat first.
The two sides met in what was Islamabad United’s first match of the PSL seventh edition. Alex Hales and Paul Stirling put up a formidable 112-run partnership from 58 balls. The duo smashed fours and sixes, with Stirling bringing up his half-century from only 18 balls. He scored 57 runs off 25 deliveries.
Hales was the star of the day, scoring an unbeaten 82 off 54 balls, with the help of 13 fours and one six.
Chasing 169 runs to win, Islamabad United finished at 172/1 in 15.5 overs.
Zalmi bowlers remained wicketless, with Islamabad losing their only wicket when Peshawar skipper Wahab Riaz ran out Stirling.
Earlier, United bowlers Hasan Ali and Faheem Ashraf pitched in with two wickets each to contain Zalmi’s top batting order from scoring big. Pacer Mohammad Wasim and skipper Shadab Khan took one wicket each as Peshawar finished 168/6 in 20 overs.
The second match of the day will be played between arch-rivals Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars at 7:30pm.