Just months after being overlooked in the HBL PSL draft, Sahibzada Farhan delivered a career-defining performance for Islamabad United, smashing a brutal 106 off just 52 balls to lead his team to a thumping 102-run win over Peshawar Zalmi at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The 29-year-old opener, who had gone unpicked earlier this season, made a resounding statement by building on the form that saw him score three centuries in the National T20 Cup. Islamabad United gave him a second chance — and Farhan didn’t waste it.
Opening the innings, Farhan tore into the Zalmi attack, hammering 13 boundaries and five sixes. He was well supported by Colin Munro (40 off 27), as the duo stitched a rapid 144-run stand for the second wicket. Their fireworks took United to 243-5, one of the highest totals in PSL history.
Farhan lost his opening partner Andries Gous early but kept the scoreboard ticking, punishing every bowler he faced. From George Linde to Ali Raza and Sufyan Moqeem, no one was spared. He reached his half-century in 26 balls and continued the onslaught until the 14th over when he finally fell to Alzarri Joseph.
Despite the double breakthrough from Joseph, Islamabad’s momentum didn’t fade. Salman Ali Agha’s explosive 30 off 15 balls and Jason Holder’s 20 off 11 ensured a mammoth total on the board.
In reply, Peshawar Zalmi’s innings never really got going. Mohammad Haris played a lone hand with a fiery 87 off 47, but the rest of the batting lineup collapsed under pressure. Veteran spinner Imad Wasim was clinical with the ball, picking up 3 for 26 and choking the Zalmi chase.
Babar Azam’s early dismissal off Ben Dwarshuis set the tone for Peshawar’s struggle. Naseem Shah and Imad kept striking regularly, reducing Zalmi to 43-3 in the powerplay. Haris kept the fight alive with some big shots, but wickets kept tumbling around him.
Holder and emerging spinner Saad Masood cleaned up the tail as Zalmi were bundled out for 141, falling well short of the target and suffering their second consecutive defeat.
For Islamabad United, this win was not just about two points — it was a redemption story, with Sahibzada Farhan proving he belongs on the biggest stage.
