Islamabad United secured a five-wicket victory against Peshawar Zalmi to qualify for the second Eliminator in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) on February 24 (Thursday).
Alex Hales scored a terrific 49-ball 62 and Liam Dawson scripted a thrilling final over cameo to help their side Islamabad United to secure a nail-biting victory.
Peshawar setting a target
Earlier, batting first, Peshawar Zalmi had registered a total of 169 runs losing five wickets in 20 overs. Their opening batter Kamran Akmal got a good start for the Peshawar Zalmi side as he scored a half century (58 runs off 39 balls).
Veteran Pakistan batter Shoaib Malik played a splendid knock of 55 runs off 43 balls to help his side in reaching a formidable total. Later, Hussain Talat scored a quick-fire 28 off 15 balls to score some quick runs for the Peshawar-based franchise. Talat’s innings was comprised of 5 boundaries.
For Islamabad United, their right-arm pacer Hasan Ali picked up three wickets conceding 30 runs in four overs. Other bowlers- Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf scalped one wicket each.
The run-chase
In reply, Islamabad-based franchise lost their opening batsman Will Jacks (11 runs off 8 balls) departed early but Alex Hales and skipper Shadab Khan showed a good fighting spirit. But Shadab’s innings came to a premature end after Peshawar Zalmi skipper Wahab Riaz dismissed him for 22 runs.
Later, Islamabad wicketkeeper Azam Khan played a crucial knock of 28 runs off 22 balls.
Islamabad United eventually needed 10 runs from the last over and medium pacer Benny Howell started the over on a promising note as he sent Azam Khan back to the dressing room on the first ball of the last over.
But new batter, Liam Dawson needed just two balls to earn an important victory for his side Islamabad United as he smashed a six and a boundary off two consecutive deliveries.
For Peshawar Zalmi, their right-arm medium pacer Salman Irshad claimed three wickets in the game but his efforts eventually proved to be inconsequential.
Now, in the second Eliminator of Pakistan Super League (PSL), Islamabad United will take on Lahore Qalandars to book a berth for the final match against Multan Sultans. The final match of PSL is scheduled to be played on February 27 (Sunday).
