New Delhi:
Islamabad United defeated Peshawar Zalmi in the final of Pakistan Super League by three wickets on Sunday at National Stadium, Karachi
Peshawar Zalmi posted a target of 149 and in reply Islamabad United chased the target in just 16.5 overs to lift the PSL title for the second time at National Stadium, Karachi.
Batting first, Peshawar Zalmi had a worrying start as their star batsmen failed to deliver to their expectations. Islamabad spinner Samit Patel was on top of his game as he made in-form batsmen Kamran Akmal and Mohammad Hafeez his prey.
English all-rounder Chris Jordan gave some stability by scoring a handy 36 runs, but later fell in the trap set-up by Hussain Talat. However, Islamabad bowler Shadab Khan was the pick of the lot as he took three wickets.
Chasing a fighting score of 149, Luke Ronchi destroyed Peshawar Zalmi’s bowlers with his fierce 52 runs off 26 deliveries. Co-opener Sahibzada Farhan complemented Ronchi perfectly with his 44 off 33 balls. Their 96 runs partnership in under first 9 overs made defending champions’ fighting total look easy.
However, Peshawar tried coming back into the game as Islamabad lost 6 quick wickets for just 20 runs. But Asif Ali’s superb 26-run cameo under collapsing conditions helped the winners of inaugural PSL, lift the title for the second time.
This was the first time a PSL final was played in Karachi and fans responded well by turning it into a full house. The sold-out stadium witnessed city’s biggest cricket match in nine years, after Pakistan was suspended from hosting international cricket.
Kiwi opener Luke Ronchi was named the man of the match for his blistering innings, as well as the Man of the Series.
