Sahibzada Farhan’s Blazing Century Leads Islamabad United to Massive Win Over Peshawar Zalmi
Rawalpindi – What a turnaround it’s been for Sahibzada Farhan.
Just a few months ago, he wasn’t even picked in the HBL PSL 2025 draft. On Monday night, he was the star of the show at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, smashing a stunning century to guide Islamabad United to a thumping 102-run win over Peshawar Zalmi.
The 29-year-old right-hander, who forced his way into the United squad after scoring three centuries in the National T20 Cup, made the most of his big stage return. Opening the innings, he blasted 106 off just 52 deliveries — a knock filled with power and precision — including 13 boundaries and 5 towering sixes.
Farhan’s fiery form was well supported by veteran Colin Munro, who added a quick 40 from 27 balls. The duo stitched together a 144-run partnership for the second wicket, punishing the Zalmi bowling attack with calculated aggression.
Though both fell in the same over to West Indian pacer Alzarri Joseph, the damage had already been done. Islamabad’s innings didn’t lose momentum, thanks to strong late cameos from Salman Ali Agha (30 off 15) and Jason Holder (20 off 11), lifting the total to an imposing 243-5 in 20 overs — one of the highest in the league’s history.
Farhan’s knock started with flair, even after losing opening partner Andries Gous to a runout in just the second over. He launched into pacers Mohammad Ali and Joseph early, then brought up his half-century in only 26 balls. He never looked back, taking down spin and pace alike until he was dismissed in the 14th over while trying to clear the boundary again.
Zalmi Collapse Despite Haris Heroics
Peshawar Zalmi, in response, had no answers with the bat. Their chase never got going as early wickets fell rapidly — including captain Babar Azam, who was caught in the slips for just one run in the second over.
Mohammad Haris tried to stage a lone battle, hitting a solid 81 off 47 balls, including some glorious sixes, but his efforts lacked support. As wickets kept tumbling at the other end, any hopes of a comeback faded quickly.
Imad Wasim was the pick of the bowlers for United, taking 3 wickets for 26 runs and stifling Zalmi’s middle order. Ben Dwarshuis and Shadab Khan chipped in with two wickets apiece, while young spinner Saad Masood and Naseem Shah claimed one each.
The visitors were bundled out for 141 in 18.2 overs, suffering their second straight defeat in the tournament. Haris was the only batter to go past 20 runs, underlining the lack of resistance from the rest of the lineup.
Farhan was rightfully named Player of the Match for his memorable hundred — a timely reminder of what he’s capable of and why he should never have been overlooked in the first place.
With this emphatic win, Islamabad United not only claimed two important points but also sent a strong message to the rest of the league — they’re here to dominate, and Sahibzada Farhan is leading that charge.
