**A dazzling century by Babar Azam took Peshawar Zalmi to a commanding total against Islamabad United on Monday, eventually leading to 8-run victory.

Babar ended the innings on 111 runs off 63 deliveries including 14 fours and two sixes. Saim Ayub itched in with 38 runs of 21 balls. Peshawar finished with 201/5 in 20 overs.

For United, Shadab Khan starred with the ball with 2 wickets for 28 runs in four overs.

In response, Islamabad United got off to a lukewarm start. However, a 108-run stand between Azam Khan and Colin Munro for the fourth wicket took the team to 181 runs, putting the target within reach.

However, Arif Yaqoob ripped through the United batting, taking 5 wickets for 27 runs in his four overs.

Needing 19 of the last over, United could only manage 10 runs. They ended the innings at 193 for 9.

Islamabad United won the toss and opted to field against Peshawar Zalmi in the 13th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Monday.

The Shadab Khan-led United have lost their last two games after winning their opening game in the ongoing edition.

Meanwhile, Babar Azam’s Zalmi won two consecutive matches after losing their first two games.

Zalmi and United sit at the fourth and fifth position on the points table, respectively.

Peshawar Zalmi XI: Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Haris (wk), Haseebullah Khan, Rovman Powell, Asif Ali, Paul Walter, Luke Wood, Naveen-ul-Haq, Arif Yaqoob, Salman Irshad.

Islamabad United XI: Haider Ali, Colin Munro, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan (c), Azam Khan (wk), Jordan Cox, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Hunain Shah, Tymal Mills.