[Watch] Arif Yaqoob's Sensational Fifer Leads Peshawar Zalmi To A Clinical Win

Arif Yaqoob scalped 4 wickets in an over [X.com]

In a sensational spell of bowling, Peshawar Zalmi's Arif Yaqoob bagged four wickets in a single over to complete a memorable five-wicket haul and win the match against Islamabad United in the 13th match of the ongoing season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2024).

Arif turned the tide in favour of Peshawar Zalmi in the penultimate over of the second innings. He dismantled Islamabad United's batting lineup by dismissing Colin Munro, Haider Ali, Hunain Shah, and Imad Wasim, ultimately securing five wickets in the match. 

Earlier, he removed Islamabad United skipper Shadab Khan earlier in the seventh over. Yaqoob's exceptional bowling performance played a pivotal role in Peshawar Zalmi's thrilling eight-run victory.

Despite needing 21 runs to win from the final two overs with six wickets in hand, Islamabad United's hopes were dashed as they succumbed to a defeat few could have expected, mainly due to Yaqoob's brilliance.

Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Islamabad United faced a formidable challenge from Peshawar Zalmi's opening pair, Saim Ayub and Babar Azam, who provided a solid start by adding 77 runs for the first wicket. 

While Ayub departed after scoring a brisk 38 off 21 deliveries, Babar Azam continued to anchor the innings, ultimately reaching an unbeaten 111 off just 63 balls – his second century in the PSL and 11th overall in T20 cricket. 

In response, Islamabad United's chase began on shaky ground with the early dismissal of Jordan Cox for 13 runs in the fifth over. 

Subsequent quick wickets of Shadab Khan and Salman Ali Agha left United struggling at 32/3. However, Azam Khan's arrival at the crease shifted the momentum as he combined forces with Colin Munro in a remarkable 108-run partnership. 

Azam Khan's aggressive knock of 75 off just 30 deliveries, accompanied by Munro's solid 71 off 53 balls, brought Islamabad United back into contention.

However, spinner Arif turned the game on its head with a stunning performance in the penultimate over, picking up three crucial wickets and finishing with figures of 5/27 – the first five-wicket haul of PSL 9. 

Despite a valiant effort, Islamabad United fell short of the target, needing 19 runs off the final over and eventually finishing on the losing side, despite a late surge from Naseem Shah, who managed a six off the second delivery.

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