PSL 2022: Key was to take the match deep, says Sarfaraz Ahmed

Quetta Gladiators captain Sarfaraz Ahmed stated that the idea was to take the match deep against Islamabad United after they won by five wickets in the 18th match of the Pakistan Super League at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Saturday.

Ahmed played a match-winning knock of unbeaten 50 runs off just 32 balls to get his team over the line in the run-chase.

Furthermore, Umar Akmal added the finishing touches as he smashed 8-ball 23 with the help of three sixes. Meanwhile, Islamabad United posted a par score of 199 runs after Sarfaraz Ahmed won the toss and decided to bowl first.

Alex Hales scored a fine knock of 62 runs off just 38 balls whereas Faheem Ashraf added the finishing touches as he scored 55 off just 28 balls.

On the other hand, Quetta Gladiators got off to a good start as Ahsan Ali and Jason Roy added 88 runs for the opening alliance in eight overs. Subsequently, Ahmed and Umar Akmal were able to get their team over the line.

Sarfaraz Ahmed said in the post-match presentation, “The discussion we (himself and Vince) had was to consolidate as back-to-back wickets had just been lost. The Key was to take it deep and then pick our spots. Umar played brilliantly at the end. Losing Nawaz was a blow for sure, he’s a key man for us. But Noor bowling well was positive. We are known to play a never-say-die brand of cricket always. Hopefully, it continues”.

Furthermore, Shahid Afridi was the pick of the bowlers as he scalped two wickets and conceded 27 runs in his quota of four overs. Quetta Gladiators will look to continue the good show and this was their third win of the season.

The Gladiators have won three out of the six matches of the edition. Quetta Gladiators will next face Lahore Qalandars on Sunday at the same venue of Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.