Suchi News
LAHORE – Islamabad United set the record straight for their top-flight chase in the HBL Pakistan Super League as Azam Khan’s brilliant 72-run knock of 41 (8 fours and 4 sixes) helped them they reeled off Karachi Kings’ 201 with six wickets and four balls to spare. the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Friday. Never before had Islamabad United – the two-time champions – chased down 200 or more.
Azam entered the fray by dismissing Rassie van der Dussen in eight overs with 69 on the scoreboard and Islamabad United needed him to show off his unique batting style. He did just that after settling in and stitching a 125-run partnership with Faheem Ashraf, who scored 41 off 32. Islamabad United got off to a strong start in the chase though Mohammad Amir removes Colin Munro (11) in the first over. .
Alex Hales hit 34 off 16 and added 50 runs for the second wicket with van der Dussen before Aamer Yamin bowled the last ball of the Powerplay. When Tabraiz Shamsi bowled van der Dussen two balls later, the bells rang for Islamabad United, but Azam and Faheem denied the threat of Shamsi and Shoaib Malik before launching a smart attack. Karachi Kings were rescued and then pulled over 200 by another brilliant strike by Imad Wasim.
The Karachi Kings captain scored 92 off 54, hitting 11 fours and two sixes, and added 99 runs with M Irfan Khan, who smashed a 20-ball 30.
During this innings, Imad became the second batsman in PSL 8 to cross the 300-run mark. Imad had to walk in the middle with five Powerplay balls left as Karachi Kings lost 3 wickets for 53. Tayyab Tahir (19) and Adam Rossington’s 20 from 16 secured the score. Karachi Kings in a respectable position despite falling wickets in the first six overs. Shoaib Malik was the only one to fall in the middle when he was hit by a beautiful delivery by Faheem which bounced back to the right and Islamabad United had to wait until the last over for another wicket and then produced by a strong acrobatic effort b. Hasan Ali to the boundary straight down the ground. Irfan took Tom Curran high into the night sky and the fast bowler caught the ball diving back, but with his presence of mind he gave the catch to him van der Dussen before reaching the rope or crossing.
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