Two fixtures were played in Pakistan Super League (PSL) on Thursday, where performances from Kamran Akmal and Faheem Ashraf saw their respective teams cross the line in a stylish manner.
Toss: Peshawar Zalmi, elected to bat first
The day began with two fan-favorite teams going head-to-head in order to solidify their place in the PSL 2018 playoffs.
Peshawar Zalmi Innings:
After winning the toss, Zalmi made a disastrous start as Mohammed Hafeez returned to the pavilion after facing just three balls. However, the day was rescued by a blistering innings from Kamran Akmal who smashed 6 sixes and 3 boundaries off just 51 balls.
Other contributions came from Saad Nasim and Darren Sammy who scored 35 and 36 runs respectively.
Although Peshawar put up a huge total on the board, Usman Khan was the pick of the bowlers who returned 3 players to pavilion in his 4 overs while giving away just 11 runs.
Karachi Kings Innings:
Karachi’s hopes of qualification for the playoffs did not rest solely on this match, which is why the Eoin Morgan-led team did not look convincing from the start of the game.
After two quick ducks by Denly and Colin Ingram, Babar Azam took it on himself to improve Karachi’s net run-rate, as it can come down to that while deciding which team qualifies.
Babar looked like a 1-man team and managed 66 runs, hitting 4 sixes for the first time in his T20 career.
The left-arm spinner Dawson was the pick of the bowlers for Zalmi who picked up 3 wickets for just 17 runs.
Summary: Peshawar Zalmi won by 44 runs.
1st Innings:
Peshawar Zalmi — 181 for 6 (20 overs)
Kamran Akmal 75 (51)
LA Dawson 2-23 (4 overs)
2nd Innings:
Karachi Kings — 137 for 8 (20 overs)
Babar Azam 66 (50)
Usman Khan 3-11 (4 overs)
Man of the Match: Kamran Akmal (Peshawar Zalmi)
Toss: Quetta Gladiators, elected to bat first
Quetta Gladiators Innings:
Betting on their batting line-up to put up a good score on the board, Quetta decided to bat first after winning the toss. However, a tame performance was showcased by the Gladiators who looked unconvincing in the 20 overs they faced.
Islamabad’s good bowling restricted Quetta to a slow start. Thanks to a captain’s knock by Sarfraz — 43 runs from 30 balls — Quetta reached a competitive total.
Faheem Ashraf carried his outstanding performance in the tournament forward with 3 wickets; Pietersen, Anwar Ali and Muhammad Nawaz.
Islamabad United Innings:
Chasing 147 in 20 overs, Islamabad responded exceptionally well with an inspiring opening innings from JP Duminy.
The South-African preserved his wicket from one end but no one could get going from the other end as Ronchi went for 10, Alex Hales for 16 and Shadab Khan for 18.
Duminy’s knock of 54 runs eventually helped reach the target with 10 balls to spare.
Summary: Islamabad United won by 6 wickets.
1st Innings:
Quetta Gladiators — 147 for 7 (20 overs)
Sarfraz Ahmed 43 (30)
Rahat Ali 2-33 (3.2 overs)
2nd Innings:
Islamabad United — 149 for 4 (18.2 overs)
JP Duminy 54 (47)
Faheem Ashraf 3-19 (4 overs)
Man of the Match: JP Duminy (Islamabad United)