Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi is one of the most competitive rivalries in Pakistan Super League (PSL) history. Both teams have been part of the tournament since its first season in 2016 and have produced several memorable matches, including high-scoring thrillers, dramatic playoff encounters and close finishes.Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi head-to-head in PSL
The rivalry has remained remarkably balanced over the years. However, after the 2026 PSL Qualifier, Peshawar Zalmi moved slightly ahead. The two teams have now played 27 PSL matches, with Peshawar Zalmi winning 14 and Islamabad United winning 13. Two matches in the overall fixture history were abandoned without a result.
Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Islamabad United | Peshawar Zalmi |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 27 | 27 |
| Wins | 13 | 14 |
| Losses | 14 | 13 |
| No Result/Abandoned | 2* | 2* |
| Highest Score | 247/2 | 232/6 |
| Lowest Score | 118 | 126 |
| Overall Advantage | — | Peshawar Zalmi |
*The historical fixture list includes two abandoned matches; some statistical databases count the number of completed/decided games differently. The Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians records 27 matches overall, 13 Islamabad wins and 14 Peshawar wins.Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi head-to-head in PSL
Early Years of the Rivalry
Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi first met in the inaugural PSL season in 2016. Peshawar won the first two encounters, including a seven-wicket victory in Sharjah.
However, Islamabad responded strongly later in the season. In Eliminator 2, Islamabad scored 176/3 and bowled Peshawar out for 126, winning by 50 runs. That victory showed that the two teams were capable of producing completely different results from one meeting to the next.
The rivalry became even more competitive in 2017. Islamabad won both of their league meetings against Peshawar, including a five-wicket victory after chasing 136.
2018 PSL Final: A Memorable Chapter
One of the most important matches between these franchises came in the 2018 PSL Final.
Peshawar Zalmi scored 148/9 after batting first. Islamabad United successfully chased the target, reaching 154/7 in 16.5 overs to win the final by three wickets.
The victory gave Islamabad United their second PSL championship and added extra significance to this rivalry.
This final remains an important part of the history between the two teams because it demonstrated how closely matched they could be in a high-pressure situation.
High-Scoring Matches in 2019
The 2019 season produced some excellent batting performances in this rivalry.
On March 1, Peshawar Zalmi chased down Islamabad United’s 176/10, reaching 177/6 to win by four wickets.
Later that month, the teams met in Eliminator 2. Peshawar produced a massive 214/5, while Islamabad managed 166/9. Zalmi won by 48 runs and advanced in the playoffs.
The 214/5 remained one of Peshawar’s most impressive totals against Islamabad.
2020 and 2021: More Drama
The rivalry remained unpredictable in 2020. One meeting was abandoned without a ball being bowled, while another was decided by the DLS method. Peshawar won the latter contest by seven runs after scoring 85/2 in a rain-shortened nine-over innings.
In 2021, Islamabad United produced one of the greatest batting performances in the history of this matchup.
They scored a remarkable 247/2 against Peshawar Zalmi on June 17, 2021. Peshawar responded with 232/6, but Islamabad held on to win by 15 runs.
The match remains the highest-scoring encounter between the two teams. Islamabad’s 247/2 is their highest total against Peshawar, while Peshawar’s 232/6 is their highest score against Islamabad.
Peshawar’s Strong Run in 2022 and 2023
Peshawar Zalmi enjoyed several important victories against Islamabad in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
In February 2022, Peshawar scored 206/8 and defeated Islamabad by 10 runs. Islamabad later defeated Peshawar by five wickets in Eliminator 1 after chasing 169.
The 2023 season was especially competitive. Islamabad won one league match by six wickets, but Peshawar responded by winning two important games, including Eliminator 1.
In that playoff match, Peshawar scored 183/8 and defeated Islamabad by 12 runs.
These results highlighted Peshawar’s ability to perform well against Islamabad when the pressure was highest.
Islamabad’s Advantage in 2024
Islamabad United regained some control over the rivalry during the 2024 PSL season.
The teams met three times. Peshawar won the first match by eight runs after scoring 201/5. Islamabad then responded with a 29-run victory.
The sides met again in Eliminator 2, where Islamabad successfully chased Peshawar’s 185/5. Islamabad reached 189/5 in 19 overs and won by five wickets.
That victory was particularly important because Islamabad eventually went on to win the 2024 PSL title.
2025: One-Sided Victories
The 2025 season produced two very different results.
On April 14, Islamabad United delivered one of their biggest wins over Peshawar. Islamabad scored 243/5 and then dismissed Peshawar for only 141, winning by a huge 102 runs.
Peshawar responded in the second meeting on May 2. They chased Islamabad’s 143/9 comfortably, reaching 147/4 in 16.4 overs and winning by six wickets.
The contrasting results once again showed the unpredictable nature of this PSL rivalry.
2026: Peshawar Zalmi Take the Lead
The 2026 season added another important chapter to the rivalry.
The first scheduled meeting between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi on March 31, 2026 was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of a wet outfield. Both teams received one point.
The teams later met in the PSL 2026 Qualifier on April 28 at the National Stadium in Karachi.
Peshawar Zalmi produced a powerful batting performance, scoring 221/7 in 20 overs. Islamabad United struggled in the chase and were bowled out for 151 in 18.4 overs.
Peshawar won by 70 runs and advanced to the final.
That victory gave Peshawar the overall head-to-head advantage, with 14 wins against Islamabad’s 13.
Highest Team Scores
Islamabad United – 247/2
Islamabad United’s highest score against Peshawar Zalmi is 247/2, achieved in Abu Dhabi on June 17, 2021.
It was an extraordinary batting performance. Peshawar replied with 232/6, meaning a combined 479 runs were scored in the match. Islamabad eventually won by 15 runs.
Peshawar Zalmi – 232/6
Peshawar’s highest score against Islamabad is 232/6, scored in the same 2021 match.
Although Peshawar crossed 230, they were unable to chase Islamabad’s enormous first-innings total.
Lowest Scores
Islamabad United’s lowest total against Peshawar Zalmi is 118, recorded in February 2021. Peshawar chased the target successfully and won by six wickets.
Peshawar Zalmi’s lowest total against Islamabad is 126, recorded during the 2016 Eliminator 2. Islamabad won that match by 50 runs.
These figures demonstrate the wide range of performances that have occurred in this rivalry.
Recent Head-to-Head Form
The recent rivalry has been extremely competitive. The last 10 completed meetings before and including the 2026 Qualifier show a close contest, with Peshawar and Islamabad exchanging victories regularly. The 2026 Qualifier was Peshawar’s latest major win, while Islamabad had previously beaten Zalmi by 102 runs in 2025.
Overall, neither team has been able to establish long-term dominance. Peshawar now have a narrow advantage in total wins, but Islamabad remain just one victory behind.
Why Islamabad vs Peshawar Is an Exciting Rivalry
Several factors make this matchup special.
First, both teams have experienced periods of success in the PSL. Islamabad have won multiple championships, while Peshawar have also been consistent contenders and won the 2017 PSL title.
Second, the rivalry has produced several playoff meetings. The teams have faced each other in Eliminators, Qualifier-type contests and even a PSL final.
Third, batting has often been spectacular. Totals such as 247/2, 243/5, 232/6 and 214/5 demonstrate the explosive nature of this fixture.
Finally, the head-to-head record is extremely close, which makes every new meeting important.
Conclusion
The Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi head-to-head record in PSL is among the most balanced in the tournament. After the 2026 PSL Qualifier, the teams have played 27 matches, with Peshawar Zalmi winning 14 and Islamabad United winning 13. Two fixtures in the broader record were abandoned.
Islamabad United have produced the highest score in the rivalry with 247/2, while Peshawar Zalmi’s best total is 232/6. Both sides have also enjoyed important playoff victories.
The latest chapter belongs to Peshawar Zalmi, who defeated Islamabad by 70 runs in the 2026 Qualifier.
With only one win separating the teams, this remains one of the PSL’s most competitive rivalries. Every future meeting could change the balance once again.
5 FAQs
1. How many times have Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi played in PSL?
Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi have played 27 matches in PSL history through the 2026 season.
2. Who has won more matches between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi?
Peshawar Zalmi currently lead the head-to-head record with 14 wins, while Islamabad United have won 13.
3. What is Islamabad United’s highest score against Peshawar Zalmi?
Islamabad United’s highest score against Peshawar Zalmi is 247/2, scored in Abu Dhabi in 2021.
4. What is Peshawar Zalmi’s highest score against Islamabad United?
Peshawar Zalmi’s highest score against Islamabad United is 232/6, achieved in the same 2021 match in which Islamabad scored 247/2.
5. Who won the latest Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi match?
Peshawar Zalmi won the latest meeting, defeating Islamabad United by 70 runs in the 2026 PSL Qualifier. Peshawar scored 221/7, while Islamabad were bowled out for 151.