MATCH REPORT
Follow UsTwo-time champions Islamabad United defeated Peshawar Zalmi by five wickets in Eliminator 1 of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022 in Lahore on Thursday, preserving their chance of a crack at the T20 title.
Opener Alex Hales scored a 49-ball 62 with three sixes and six fours to help Islamabad overhaul a 170-run target at the Gaddafi stadium.
Peshawar, who won the PSL title in 2017, managed 169-5 after winning the toss and electing to bat, with veteran former Pakistan player Kamran Akmal scoring 39-ball 58. Shoaib Malik also scored 43-ball 55 in Peshawar's innings.
With Islamabad needing 10 off the last over, Liam Dawson hit a six and four to complete the chase in 19.3 overs.
Hales was fortunate to survive a stumping off Ali Majid on naught and a dropped catch on nine off the same bowler.
Hales, who returned home last week citing bubble fatigue before rejoining for the remaining matches, took full advantage of the lapses to set the platform. Shadab Khan and Hasan Ali also returned to the side after nursing injury in the previous games. All three of them made crucial contributions to Islamabad's cause in this do-or-die game.
For Peshawar, the fast bowler Salman Irshad bowled a deadly spell of 3/31, removing Shadab (22), Hales and Asif Ali (7). The latter two were picked off impeccable yorkers which raised Peshawar's hopes. However, skipper Wahab Riaz had an off day, going wicketless for 52 runs in his four-over spell.
Islamabad, winners of the inaugural edition in 2016 and then in 2018, will face Lahore Qalandars in Eliminator 2 on Friday. The winner will meet the defending champions Multan Sultans in Sunday's final.
Brief scores
Islamabad United 170 for 5 in 19.3 overs (Alex Hales 62, Azam Khan 28, Salman Irshad 3/31) beat Peshawar Zalmi 169 for 5 in 20 overs (Kamran Akmal 58, Shoaib Malik 55, Hasan Ali 3/30) by 5 wickets
Player of the match: Faheem Ashraf (1/15 &19*)
(With inputs from AFP)
