Sahibzada Farhan’s ton decimates Zalmi 2025 best
Farhan’s 106 Blows Zalmi Away for United’s Second Win
In a contest filled with powerful strokes, calculated aggression, and moments of pure cricketing brilliance, Sahibzada Farhan delivered a masterclass that lifted Islamabad United to their second win of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 season. Sahibzada Farhan’s ton decimates Zalmi 2025 best His scintillating knock of 106 runs not only decimated Peshawar Zalmi’s bowling attack but also underscored his credentials as one of the most explosive openers in the T20 format today. As the dust settles at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, one thing is clear—Farhan’s innings was one for the ages.
The Setting: High Stakes, High Expectations
Coming into the match, Islamabad United was under pressure. They had managed only one win in their first three games, Sahibzada Farhan’s ton decimates Zalmi 2025 best and questions were beginning to swirl around their consistency. Meanwhile, Zalmi, bolstered by experienced campaigners and young talent, had shown promise with two wins but lacked dominance.
The stage was set for a marquee encounter. The Rawalpindi crowd, known for its unwavering support, turned out in droves, hoping for fireworks under the floodlights. And they got more than they bargained for.
Powerplay Blitz: Farhan Unleashed
After being put into bat, United’s opening pair walked out with intent. From the very first over, Farhan was in beast mode. He started with a sublime cover drive off Wahab Riaz and followed it up with a flat-batted six over mid-off in the very next delivery. Sahibzada Farhan’s ton decimates Zalmi 2025 best By the end of the powerplay, United had already crossed 60, with Farhan doing the bulk of the scoring.
What made Farhan’s approach unique was his ability to rotate strike while punishing loose deliveries. He mixed caution with aggression, never allowing the bowlers to settle. His footwork against the spinners was exemplary, coming down the track with conviction and depositing balls into the stands.
The Century: A Statement of Intent
Farhan’s century came off just 58 balls and included 12 fours and 4 sixes. It was a knock stitched with timing, placement, and raw power. Sahibzada Farhan’s ton decimates Zalmi 2025 best He reached the landmark with a pulled six off Aamer Jamal, bringing the stadium to its feet. His celebration—raising his bat, eyes closed, soaking in the applause—was that of a man who knew he had made a significant impact.
With Farhan anchoring the innings, Islamabad United posted a daunting 193/4 in their 20 overs. Shadab Khan provided the late flourish with a quickfire 28, but it was Farhan’s innings that gave the scoreboard real muscle.
Zalmi’s Reply: Resistance Without Firepower
In response, Peshawar Zalmi never truly looked in control. Saim Ayub started aggressively but fell to a clever slower ball from Naseem Shah. Sahibzada Farhan’s ton decimates Zalmi 2025 best Babar Azam, their talisman, played a characteristically elegant knock but failed to accelerate when it mattered most. His 39 off 34 balls included beautiful strokes but lacked the urgency the situation demanded.
Islamabad’s bowlers kept things tight. Rumman Raees was miserly in the powerplay, while Shadab Khan used his variations to great effect. The spin twins, Abrar Ahmed and Imad Wasim, choked the middle overs, not allowing Zalmi to form any meaningful partnerships.
By the time Zalmi reached the final five overs, they needed more than 60 runs. A few lusty blows from Rovman Powell narrowed the margin, Sahibzada Farhan’s ton decimates Zalmi 2025 best but it was too little, too late. Peshawar eventually folded at 171/8, falling 22 runs short.
Bowling Brilliance: United’s Underrated Heroes
Though Farhan took the headlines, United’s bowling unit deserves special praise. Naseem Shah, showing signs of maturity beyond his years, bowled with pace and intelligence. Sahibzada Farhan’s ton decimates Zalmi 2025 best His variations caught the batsmen off guard, and his dismissals of Saim and Mohammad Haris came at crucial junctures.
Shadab Khan, often United’s trump card, once again proved why he’s considered one of Pakistan’s finest white-ball spinners. His control in the middle overs and ability to outthink the batsmen were instrumental in stifling Zalmi’s momentum.
Imad Wasim, in particular, bowled with great discipline. His line and length didn’t allow Zalmi to free their arms, and he picked up the key wicket of Babar Azam, Sahibzada Farhan’s ton decimates Zalmi 2025 best turning the match decisively in United’s favour.
The Farhan Factor: A Career-Defining Knock?
Sahibzada Farhan’s journey in Pakistan cricket has been one of stops and starts. Touted as a prodigy early in his career, he struggled with consistency at the international level. But performances like these show that he is far from done. This knock against Zalmi wasn’t just about the runs—it was about maturity, intent, and seizing the moment.
With Pakistan always on the lookout for dynamic top-order players, Farhan’s innings will certainly catch the eyes of the selectors. If he continues in this vein, Sahibzada Farhan’s ton decimates Zalmi 2025 best a national comeback may be on the horizon.
Captain’s Take: Shadab Khan’s Verdict
Speaking at the post-match presentation, United’s captain Shadab Khan was effusive in his praise. “Farhan played one of the best knocks I’ve seen in the PSL. Sahibzada Farhan’s ton decimates Zalmi 2025 best He gave us the platform, and the bowlers did the rest. We talked about executing our plans and staying calm, and the boys delivered.”
He also lauded the team’s fielding, often an under-discussed aspect. A couple of brilliant saves and a direct hit run-out from Azam Khan turned the screws further on Zalmi.
Zalmi’s Concerns: Dependence on Top Order
For Peshawar Zalmi, this loss raises questions. Their over-reliance on Babar Azam and Saim Ayub is becoming apparent. While Powell and Asif Ali can be destructive, the lack of contributions from the middle order is beginning to hurt. Their bowling too, Sahibzada Farhan’s ton decimates Zalmi 2025 best apart from Naveen-ul-Haq, looked toothless against quality batting.
Head coach Darren Sammy will have plenty to ponder ahead of their next fixture. With the league format unforgiving, consistency is key, and Zalmi must address these chinks soon.
A Spectacle for the Fans
What stood out beyond the individual brilliance was the electric atmosphere in the stadium. The Rawalpindi crowd, with its dhols, chants, Sahibzada Farhan’s ton decimates Zalmi 2025 best and unrelenting energy, added a layer of magic to the evening. Cricket in Pakistan has returned to full vibrancy, and nights like these are a testament to that.
Young fans, many with their faces painted in United’s red, stayed long after the match ended, chanting Farhan’s name. For a player who has seen both highs and lows, this was a moment of vindication and adulation.
Looking Ahead
With this win, Islamabad United move into the top half of the table, and momentum is firmly on their side. Their next match, a faceoff against the in-form Multan Sultans, Sahibzada Farhan’s ton decimates Zalmi 2025 best will be a litmus test. But if Farhan continues this purple patch and the bowling unit stays disciplined, United will be a force to reckon with.
For Zalmi, it’s back to the drawing board. The PSL is a marathon, not a sprint, and the talent is certainly there. What remains to be seen is whether they can click as a unit when it matters most.
Final Word
T20 cricket is often criticized for being a batsman’s game, but performances like these remind us of the delicate balance between bat and ball. Sahibzada Farhan’s 106 was not just a display of batting might—it was a narrative of redemption, timing, and tactical nous. Sahibzada Farhan’s ton decimates Zalmi 2025 best As the PSL rolls on, Islamabad United’s resurgence—powered by Farhan’s brilliance—is one of the season’s defining stories.
For now, the headlines belong to Farhan. But for Islamabad, the focus remains the same—game by game, step by step, with eyes firmly on the trophy.
