Islamabad United clinch victory by 49 runs against Lahore Qalandars

Pakistan Super League - Karachi Match - Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars

KARACHI (Web Desk) – With Cameron Delport’s heroics, Islamabad United won the match with 49 runs against Lahore Qalanders after setting a massive 239-run target in the 27th match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) at Karachi National Stadium.

Delport scored 117 runs off 60 balls, steering his side to set a highest total in the history of Pakistan Super League. The fans at Karachi stadium witnessed Delport’s blasting shots who stunned Qalandars by hitting 6 sixes and 13 fours.

Highest ever #HBLPSL team total Highest T20 total at Karachi First HBL PSL 100 in 16 (most) sixes in an innings Joint-fastest half-century in the league (@AasifAli2018 with 50 off 17 balls) Defending champions post on the scoreboard.#LQvIU pic.twitter.com/W4bW0Op9s0

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 9, 2019

Moreover, Asif Ali’s stunning constribution (55 runs off 21 balls) further strengthened United’s position. Also, Chadwick Walton and Philip Salt scored 48 and 10 runs respectively.

TEAM PLAYERS:

Lahore Qalandars had made two replacements in their squad for the Pakistan-leg of the PSL. New Zealander all-rounder Corey Anderson and Dutch cricketer Ryan ten Doeschate were replaced by English batsman Riki Wessels and Sri Lankan all-rounder Asela Gunaratne.

In total, eight matches will be played in the city including the semifinals and final.

The first 26 matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) were played in United Arab Emirates, and there had been speculation that remainder would also have to be held there as soaring tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi sparked fears of an all-out conflict.

But with the situation easing the matches will go ahead, though three that had been planned for Lahore -- close to the Indian border -- are now being held in the southern port city of Karachi.

The passionate fans greeted all the teams on their way to hotel and expressed ecstasy over revival of cricket in Pakistan.

It is being anticipated that International cricket would be revived following the security assessment by the ICC delegation.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ehsan Mani visited the National Stadium himself to inspect the preparations.

"The perception that foreigners have about the safety situation in Pakistan will change and they will be satisfied with the security arrangements," PCB chairman Ehsan Mani said, adding "I am delighted to welcome the foreign players who have come here for the PSL and I am sure it will help us in bringing more international matches to the country."

Pakistan has gradually revived international cricket since it was suspended following attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore ten years ago.

It was six years before Pakistan hosted any international cricket when minnows Zimbabwe toured in 2015, while the Gaddafi Stadium hosted the PSL final in March 2017, and a World XI also played three Twenty20 internationals in Lahore.

Security arrangements: ICC delegates visit stadium amid heavy security

An extraordinary security protocol has been accorded to a delegation of the International Cricket Council (ICC) during its movement to the National Stadium.

The delegation assessed the security measures and visited the Command and Control room at the stadium.

The security of the stadium has been put on high alert and a helicopter has been deployed to monitor security situation around the stadium.

Officials briefed security consultant of the ICC delegation, while Federal of International Cricketers Chairman (FICA) Tony Irish has also arrived at the stadium.

Hundreds of CCTV cameras have been installed in and around the National Stadium to monitor the movement of spectators. Spectators have to show their original national identity card (NIC) along with their tickets at the entry points.

The main roads of the metropolis have been decorated with lights.

The broadcasting company has installed 33 cameras along with Hawk-Eye at the stadium. Spider cam will also capture the live action.

The security is beefed up on the occasion. Officials of Pakistan Rangers Sindh, police and intelligence agencies are at their duties 24/7 inside and outside the National Stadium.

The locals are required to show their tickets and original NIC for entry in the stadium. They must park their vehicles at designated places.  

Traffic diversions and parking spots

The vehicles were parked at the ground near Hakeem Saeed Park and Sunday Bazar adjacent to Baitul Mukarram Masjid. Those coming from Liaquatabad No 10 took the left from Hassan Square that merges into the University Road and park their vehicles from where they will be taken to the venue via a shuttle bus service. Those coming from Safoora can take NIPA, while those from Sohrab Goth used Gulshan Chowrangi, go left and merge on University Road then took a U-turn to arrive on the opposite lane of University Road and park their vehicles. Those coming from District East and Malir travelled through Drigh Road, took a right turn towards Rashid Minhas Road then left towards Millennium Mall to park their cars at Gharib Nawaz Football Stadium.

Matche Schedule

Saturday, 9 March – Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United (7pm)

Sunday, 10 March – Karachi Kings vs Quetta Gladiators (7pm)

Monday, 11 March – Lahore Qalandars vs Multan Sultans (2pm); Karachi Kings vs Peshawar Zalmi (7pm)

Wednesday, 13 March – Qualifier (1 v 2) (7pm)

Thursday, 14 March – Eliminator 1 (3 v 4) (7pm)

Friday, 15 March – Eliminator 2 (7pm)

Sunday, 17 March – Final (7pm)

Thirty eight foreign players have come to play along with their PSL teams and some foreign players including broadcasters, commentators, support staff and foreign coaches have reached the metropolis.