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It was not a good outing for Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi as he conceded 67 runs in four overs in a Pakistan Super League (PSL) match against Islamabad United, on February 3 (Thursday). Eventually, Quetta Gladiators conceded a 43-run defeat.
The Quetta Gladiators all-rounder could not shine with the bat as well, as he could only manage to score 4 runs off 8 balls.
Solid start
Batting first, United had a terrific start as their English opener Alex Hales scored a quick-fire 22 off just 8 balls. On the other hand, the other opener- Paul Stirling went on to score a half century (58 runs off 28 balls).
Later, New Zealand batter Collin Munro played a splendid innings of 72 runs (not out) off 39 deliveries. The southpaw’s innings was comprised of 3 boundaries and 5 sixes.
Munro was supported well by wicketkeeper Azam Khan. Azam scored 65 runs off 35 balls as he smashed 2 boundaries and 6 sixes.
Eventually, United managed to reach a huge total of 223 runs losing 4 wickets in 20 overs.
For Gladiators, their left-arm bowler Mohammad Nawaz picked up two wickets.
The run chase
In reply, Gladiators opener Ahsan Ali had a good start as he notched his half century (50 runs off 27 balls) but a dismal batting show saw the Quetta-side lose six wickets within a span of just 43 runs.
A lot was depended on Shahid Afridi but the veteran failed to do anything impactful. In the 14th over of the innings, Afridi attempted to play a slog-sweep but he could not reach Shadab Khan’s flighted delivery correctly and his mistimed shot was ultimately caught by Hasan Ali.
Australia all-rounder James Faulkner kept his side’s hopes alive till the very end as the southpaw scored 30 runs (unbeaten) off 14 deliveries but his efforts were not enough as Gladiators lost all their 10 batsmen within a total of 186 runs in 19.3 overs.
For United, their spinner Shadab Khan was in sublime form as he picked up five wickets to seal a convincing victory for his side.
After this win, the United have 4 points from 3 matches and are at second spot.
