Islamabad United beat Peshawar Zalmi by three wickets in Karachi on Sunday
Islamabad United became the first side to win two Pakistan Super League (PLS) titles after beating Peshawar Zalmi by three wickets at National Stadium, Karachi in the grand finale on Sunday.On the day when Karachi witnessed its first high-profile cricket match in more than nine years, it was Zalmi’s captain Darren Sammy who won the toss and opted to bat first.
However, his decision backfired as Zalmi lost three wickets for just 38 runs inside the first six overs. A 62-run fourth-wicket partnership between all-rounders Liam Dawson and Chris Jordan stabilize the ship, and it looked that Zalmi will be able to post in the region of 160-170.
We are the CHAMPIONS!
Sherus, this one is for you! #UnitedWeWin #SherKiDhaar #PSLFinalInKarachi pic.twitter.com/chHzyukyN9— Islamabad United (@IsbUnited) March 26, 2018
But a flurry of wickets left the team reeling, and it was down to Wahab Riaz’s cameo which helped the defending champions in posting 148 for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
Chris Jordan was the best batsman for Peshawar Zalmi and 36 off 26 balls, including single boundary and three maximums. He was well supported by Dawson, who scored 33 runs off 30 balls with the help of a one six and a four.
For Islamabad United, young leg-spinner Shadab Khan, who till now had a mediocre tournament, was the star of the show, as he finished with figures of three for 25 in his four overs.
Chasing a score of 149 runs, Islamabad United had an astonishing beginning as wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Ronchi and Sahibzada Farhan scored 96 runs for the opening partnership in less than 10 overs.Once the openers departed, Zalmi made a grand comeback as JP Duminy’s men lost next five wickets for just 20 runs and were reduced to 116-6.
At that stage, young Asif Ali, who was dropped in the 15th over by Kamran Akmal, stood up and deliver for the team by hitting three consecutive sixes on the bowling of Hasan Ali to clinch the title.
Asif Ali blazed his way forward smashing 3 massive sixes into the stands. #ChuppaRustam sealed Islamabad United's victory and another championship title! #UnitedWeWin #SherKiDhaar #PSLFinalInKarachi pic.twitter.com/8kzVK6VPt5
— Islamabad United (@IsbUnited) March 26, 2018
Luke Ronchi was named the man of the match for his splendid performance with the bat.The wicket-keeper batsman named Player of the tournament with 435 runs in 11 games for Islamabad United.
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