Islamabad United won by two wickets in a thrilling contest against Quetta Gladiators in Match 21 of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL). The two sides crossed swords at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, March 5.
Islamabad United skipper Shadab Khan won the toss and decided to field first in the clash. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Faheem Ashraf operated in tandem to strike the early blows as the top-order collapsed in quick time. With four wickets down for just 17 runs on the board, Quetta required a special knock to revive their innings.
In came Mohammad Nawaz in the middle order. The batter carved out a delicate knock of 52 runs off 44 balls. Nawaz’s 104-run stand with Najibullah Zadran changed the complexion of the game as it helped the Gladiators get to 179 runs on the board.
Zadran scored a quick 34-ball 59 whereas veteran batter Umar Akmal smashed 43 off 14 balls with as many as five maximums and two boundaries to his name. Meanwhile, Fazalhaq Farooqi returned with a three-wicket haul in the first innings.
Islamabad United fight hard in run chase
In response to the total, Islamabad lost the early wicket of Rahmanullah Gurbaz but swiftly bounced back into the game, courtesy of Colin Munro’s fiery knock. The batter hit the ground running almost instantly and got a 29-ball 63 with four maximums and five boundaries before getting dismissed by Mohammad Nawaz.
The momentum seemed to have shifted for quite some time as Quetta dented the middle-order and nearly half the side was dismissed for under 105 runs. Lower down the middle-order, Azam Khan stepped up yet again and put up a knock which got the side back in the chase.
His 25-ball 35 revived the contest and he also put up a 58-run stand with Faheem Ashraf to get the side close to a victory. Despite Azam Khan getting dismissed moments later, Faheem took the onus and steered the side to obtain a two-wicket win in the ultimate over.
Here is how Twitter reacted-
Tough luck! 💔 Islamabad United kept their cool & won the match by 2 wickets in the final over. #PurpleForce #IUvQG
@TeamQuetta Quetta Gladiator should rethink about captaincy and management for next psl
11:26 PM · Mar 05, 2023
Sarfaraz be like: Thora aggressive ho jata hun responsible captain lagun ga #QGvIU
11:24 PM · Mar 05, 2023
Much credit goes to Azam Khan, charged just at the right moment and served the game in a plate to his team, also then a brilliant finish by Faheem Ashraf. #QGvIU
11:21 PM · Mar 05, 2023
Scene kuch aise hain😂 #HBLPSL2023 #QGvIU
11:26 PM · Mar 05, 2023
Here we go again😭😭🎉🎉 Another Day another victory!!! UNITED K SHEHZADAY❤️❤️❤️ #QGvIU #HBLPSL8
11:18 PM · Mar 05, 2023
When I see Umar Akmal smashing like this, I occasionally reflect on the past with a heavy heart and wonder why he didn’t use his God-gifted talent. #PSL2023 #PSL8 #HBLPSL2023 #HBLPSL8 #PSL08 #QGvIU #QGvsIU #IUvsQG #IUvQG #umarakmal
09:55 PM · Mar 05, 2023
Gladiators situation rn…😂😭 #QGvIU
11:22 PM · Mar 05, 2023
Short of the Tournament 🥶 AZAM KHAN ♥️ #QGvIU
10:39 PM · Feb 24, 2023
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