ABU DHABI: Lahore Qalandars’ Rashid Khan smashed three consecutive fours in the last over to guide his side to a five-wicket win over Islamabad United in the opening match of the second leg of the Pakistan Super League s (PSL) sixth edition at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, Dunya News reported.
The sixth edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League resumed with a thrilling contest as Lahore Qalandars – the finalists of the 2020 tournament – sealed a five-wicket win over 2016 and 2018 champions Islamabad United on the final ball. This was Qalandars’ just third win over United in 11 matches and took them to the top of the points table.
Qalandars chased down a tricky 144 at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi thanks to Rashid Khan who smashed Hussain Talat for three fours in the last over. Qalandars required 16 from six when Shadab Khan, the United captain, brought Hussain into the attack to deliver his only over of the match.
Rashid, who had earlier bowled a staggering number of 15 dots in his four overs to return one for nine, welcomed the right-arm pacer with three consecutive fours and stole two runs on the fourth delivery. The last two balls brought two singles as Qalandars registered their fourth win of the season – the most for any side. United, meanwhile, slipped a spot to the fourth.
United looked in contention after Hasan Ali, who took two wickets for 27 runs at a decent economy of 6.75, gave away only seven runs and dismissed Ben Dunk in the penultimate over. Hasan bowled a clean over darting four dots before Tim David finished it with a six that went over the bowler’s head.
Qalandars’ innings was anchored by their captain Sohail Akhtar who top-scored in the match with a 30-ball 40 and smashed five fours and a six.
Sohail’s knock included a 38-run partnership for the third wicket with Mohammad Hafeez (29 off 25, three fours) that steadied Qalandars’ innings after losing their first two wickets for 44 runs in 7.4 overs. The highlight of their partnership was the 12th over in which the pair smashed Shadab for three fours.
The next over, Fawad Ahmed helped United pounce back in the contest as he trapped Sohail LBW and that dismissal paved the way for Hafeez’s return to the pavilion in the 15th over when he pulled Hasan’s slower delivery into Asif Ali’s hands at deep square-leg.
David, however, maintained his calm in the crucial moments and scored a handy 23 not out off 15.
