Islamabad United beat Quetta Gladiators to clinch PSL title
By.Asghar Ali Mubarak
Dubai—-Islamabad United have clinched the title of first Pakistan Super League (PSL) winner after beating well-performed Quetta Gladiators by eight wickets in the final being played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Islamabad United’s captain Misbah-ul-Haq won the toss and decided to bowl first against Quetta Gladiators.Ahmed Shehzad and Kumar Sangakkara scored fifties but some tight bowling from the united side at the end of the innings restricted the Gladiators to 174 for 7. Mohammad Irfan took 2 wickets whereas Rusell bagged three wickets.The opener Bismillah gone for a duck whereas Kevin Pietersen only made 18 runs. Muhammad Nawaz and Captain Sarfraz Ahmed hit seven and three runs apiece.Chasing the target of 175 runs, the United completed the match in 18th over. Wicket keeper and star batsman Haddin smashed 61 runs while Smith scored 73 runs, ensuring the victory to the team.Talking about the overall bowling performance during PSL, Islamabad’s Andre Russell has snatched the title of best bowler by snatching 16 wickets in the series of 10 matches. Wahab Riaz with his stunning bowling made 15 batsmen out while Muhammad Sami also performed outstandingly in the matches. Ravi Bopara was successful in providing best bowling in one innings by taking 6 wickets in 4 overs.Gladiators’ Anwar Ali was having bad luck during the game as he gave 57 runs but clinched no wicket however; Umar Akmal caught seven catches in 7 matches. Pakistan People s Party (PPP) leaders Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and his sisters also came to stadium to watch the match and supported the PSL. The PSL ceremony was concluded by fireworks at the stadium. The spectators lauded Pakistan Cricket Board’s effort in organizing such an astonishing event. Islamabad United has become champion by beating Quetta Gladiators by six wickets in the final of 1st edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) at Dubai International Cricket ground.
Islamabad United won the toss and elected to field first on good looking track, Quetta set a mamoth total of 176 in their quota overs. Ahmed Shehzad and Kumar Sangakkara scored brilliant half centuries.
Andre Russel took three wickets while Irfan grabbed two important wickets.
Islamabad UNited crossed the target with 8 ball left in their innings with the loss of four wickets, Dwaye Smith 73, and Brad Haddin 61 played brilliantly for their half centuries.
Anwar Ali, McCullum, Aizaz Cheema and Zulfiqar Babar bagged on wicket each.
