LAHORE: Islamabad United, batting first in PSL 10’s 23rd match at Gaddafi Stadium, set a 158-run target for Quetta Gladiators after posting 157/9 in 20 overs.
Islamabad United’s innings began on a promising note as their new opening duo, Sahibzada Farhan and Kyle Mayers, built a strong platform with a quick 58-run stand. However, the partnership was broken in the sixth over when Abrar Ahmed bowled out Mayers, who contributed 22 off 17 balls with three boundaries and a six.
Momentum shifted quickly as Faheem Ashraf dealt a double blow in his first over, removing Colin Munro (9) and stand-in skipper Salman Ali Agha (0). United’s troubles deepened when the well-set Farhan was dismissed by Saud Shakeel, despite being the top scorer with 39 off 24, including two fours and four sixes.
Struggling at 77/4 in 9.5 overs, Mohammad Nawaz and Andries Gous tried to steady the innings but only managed a 14-run stand before Faheem struck again, dismissing both Gous and Mohammad Shahzad, reducing United to 91/6 by the 13th over.
Haider Ali joined Nawaz to stitch a fighting 39-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Nawaz played the leading role, while Haider contributed a steady 10 off 8 balls before falling to Khurram Shahzad in the 18th over. Nawaz continued to anchor the innings, scoring a crucial 49 off 34 deliveries with one four and five sixes, before being dismissed by Kyle Jamieson in the final over.
Nawaz also shared a valuable 26-run partnership with Jason Holder for the eighth wicket.
In bowling, Faheem Ashraf stood out with a brilliant 4/25 in 3 overs, while Khurram Shahzad, Abrar Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, and Kyle Jamieson chipped in with a wicket each.
Read Also: Pak banned online steaming of IPL after bane on PSL in India
