Islamabad United thrashed Quetta Gladiators by 39 runs in the Eliminator 1 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 9) at National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Friday.
Shadab-led Islamabad United to lock horns with Peshawar Zalmi in Elaminator 2 while Quetta Gladiator’s PSL 9 campaign ended.
Shadab Khan after winning the toss, elected to bat first and set up a total of 174 runs. United got off to a flying start to their innings with their new opening pair of Martin Guptill and Alex Hales scoring a 51-run partnership.
On the other hand, the Quetta Gladiators had a tragic start as they lost half of their side inside the batting powerplay with just 16 runs.
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United’s bowlers, Imad Wasim, and Naseem Shah, shined with the new ball clinching early wickets. Five of Quetta’s starting batsmen failed to reach double digits including Saud Shakeel, Jason Roy, Rilee Rossouw, Khawaja Nafay, and Laurie Evans.
However, down the order, Akeal Hosein and Omair bin Yousuf gave Gladiators fans hope by scoring 52 runs partnership before Hosien was run out after scoring 31 off 18 balls.
For Islamabad United, Imad Wasim picked three wickets, Naseem two, and Obey McCoy, Hunain Shah, and Faheem Ashraf one each.
Martin Guptill top-scored for the two-time PSL champions Islamabad United with 56 off 47 deliveries, including six boundaries. He was followed by Salman Ali Agha, who scored 31 runs off 21 balls.
For Purple Force Mohammad Amir and Akeal Hosein each took two wickets, with Mohammad Wasim Jnr., Abrar Ahmed, and Saud Shakeel taking one in 1st inning.