PSL 4 : Zalmi qualify for final after knocking out United in 2nd eliminator

Peshawar Zalmi qualified for the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2019 by clinching a 48-run win over Islamabad United in the final eliminator at the National Stadium of Karachi on Friday. 

Islamabad United’s decision of winning the toss and electing to field did not prove to be a good one as Peshawar Zalmi openers Kamran Akmal and Imam-ul-Haq scored an opening stand of 135. The duo pummeled the bowlers to all parts of the ground.

Imam was the first to be dismissed as he made 58 after scoring seven boundaries and two sixes. Kamran Akmal fell shortly afterwards after scoring a brilliant 74 off 43 deliveries with the help of 10 fours and three maximums.

Sohaib Maqsood did not last long as he contributed just four runs to the scoreboard.

Kieron Pollard and skipper Darren Sammy joined the party and started their onslaught. The Windies batsmen scored a 32-run partnership on the fourth wicket before Pollard went back to the pavilion for 37 runs. Sammy’s 30-run knock helped the side register a mammoth total of 214-5 in their 20 overs.

In chase of 215-run target, Islamabad United found themselves reeling at 26-2 with power hitters Luke Ronchi and Alex Hales getting dismissed early.

Cameron Delport and Chadwick Walton steadied the side with their 53-run partnership. Delport got out after scoring 28 runs for the side. Asif Ali was out on a silver duck.

After Chadwick Walton went back to the dressing room after playing a gritty 48-run knock, it looked curtains for Islamabad United.

Hussain Talat and Faheem Ashraf tried to steer the side with their 46-run partnership on the sixth wicket. The game went out of Islamabad’s reach when Faheem Ashraf got out for 31.

Islamabad finished at 166-9 in their 20 overs.

The winners will take on Quetta Gladiatiors in the final on Sunday.