PSL-2022: Quetta Gladiators beat Islamabad United by five wickets
Cricket
Quetta Gladiators beat Islamabad United by five wickets
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Quetta Gladiators defeated Islamabad United by five wicket in the 18th match of the seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022 at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
Unlike their win against Lahore that came largely around a one-man show from Roy, this was a collective effort from the batting unit. Roy was at it again too, set the tempo upfront with Ahsan and Vince giving able support but Shadab with regular strikes kept Islamabad right in the scheme of things.
The required rate also started to creep up and just when it seemed like Quetta had lost the plot, comeback man Umar Akmal in his first PSL game since 2020 smashed an electrifying cameo to bring life back into the chase.
Sarfaraz, who was scratchy initially, also found his groove and then upped his gears in dramatic fashion to get his side across the line.
Playing first, Islamabad United set 200 runs target for Quetta Gladiators. Hales was on fire early on as he teed off against both pace and spin, especially strong off his pads and attacking the deep backward square region.
Islamabad raced to 100-1 and then a major collapse happened. Shahid Afridi turned back the clock with wickets and a run-out to send the opponents tumbling to 109-6.
Stunned faces when all of this was happening as Asif Ali endured a horror 10 minutes or so, running out Hales and Azam Khan before getting out himself. But Islamabad bat deep and Faheem came out with intent and smashed a 28-ball 55 and Mohammad Wasim Jr ended it with consecutive sixes.
Not before Faulkner found himself on a hat-trick in the last over. Amidst all of this, one saw the usual Sarfaraz - ranting and raving at his bowlers and fielders, and often running up to offer advice.
Earlier, Quetta Gladiators had won the toss and choose to field against Islamabad United.
Squad
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