Islamabad beat Peshawar, Karachi in practice matches ahead of HBL PSL 5
LAHORE: Two-time HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) champions Islamabad United will be high on confidence ahead of the fifth season, after registering back to back wins over Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi in practice matches. United posted a total of 195/9 in their 20 overs, after opting to bat first in the second practice match against Zalmi on Tuesday at United Bank Limited (UBL) cricket stadium. Opener Rizwan Hussain gave a brisk start to the two-time PSL champions with a quick 25-run inning from 11 deliveries. Right-hand batsman Saif Badar then provided stability in the middle-order with a knock of 35 runs from 25 balls. However, all-rounder Amad Butt was the star performer with the bat as he top-scored with a 44-run cameo off just 18 balls. While defending the total, skipper Shadab Khan and all-rounder Hussain Talat picked three wickets each to bowl out Zalmi for just 139 runs and claim a 56-run victory.