In a tightly contested match between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL 9) season nine, former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez expressed his concerns over the performances of all-rounder Imad Wasim. This marks Hafeez’s first season with Islamabad United after eight seasons with Karachi Kings.
During a recent interview on a local sports channel, Hafeez questioned Imad’s impact, highlighting his minimal contribution of only 1 run and no wickets in the match. Hafeez emphasized that the expectations from Imad are higher, both as a bowler and a batter.
While discussing Islamabad United’s overall bowling performance, Hafeez also pointed out the diminishing impact of Faheem Ashraf in recent PSL seasons. Faheem struggled in the same match, managing only one run and failing to take any wickets.
The 13th match, where Peshawar Zalmi secured victory over Islamabad United by eight runs, witnessed Babar Azam’s 11th T20 century and Arif Yaqoob’s historic fifer. Yaqoob became the first bowler to claim four wickets in a single over in PSL 9, concluding with figures of 5/27.
Despite a promising partnership between Colin Munro and Azam Khan, Yaqoob’s exceptional four-wicket over during the 19th over shifted the momentum in favor of Peshawar. Azam Khan’s stunning 75 off 30 deliveries propelled Islamabad towards victory, but his departure triggered a collapse in the lower order.
Spinner Arif Yaqoob further dented Islamabad’s hopes by taking three more wickets in the penultimate over, achieving a five-wicket haul – the first in PSL 9. In the end, Islamabad fell short by 19 runs.
Opting to bat first, Peshawar’s openers Saim Ayub and Babar Azam laid a strong foundation with a 73-run partnership. Azam’s unbeaten 111 off 63 balls, supported by Asif Ali’s brisk 17, propelled Peshawar to 202. Shadab Khan led United’s bowling with figures of 2/28.
This match not only showcased individual brilliance but also raised concerns for Islamabad United’s bowling unit, leaving Mohammad Hafeez questioning the impact of key players as the PSL 9 season progresses.
