Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan believes there were many moments where things could have gone their way against Quetta Gladiators in the 18th match of the ongoing Pakistan Super League at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Saturday.
ISU posted a fighting score of 199 runs after Sarfaraz Ahmed won the toss and elected to bowl first.
Alex Hales scored a fine knock of 62 runs off just 38 balls to give a good start to his team. But, Islamabad United struggled to get going in the middle overs as Muhammad Akhlaq, Asif Ali and Azam Khan were dismissed cheaply. However, the Shadab Khan-led team was able to post a par score of 199 runs after Faheem Ashraf scored a fine knock of 55 runs off just 28 balls.
On the other hand, Jason Roy and Ahsan Ali gave a perfect start to Quetta Gladiators as they added 88 runs for the opening stand under just eight overs. Islamabad United did make a little comeback in the middle overs but Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Akmal were able to get their team over the line.
Ahmed scored a fine knock of 50 runs whereas Akmal played a fine little cameo of 23 runs off just eight balls. Sarfaraz Ahmed was awarded the Player of the match for his fine knock.
Shadab Khan said in the post-match presentation, “ The way Roy started, it was great batting but we did well to come back in the game. Umar Bhai (Akmal) and Sarfu (Sarfaraz) Bhai stole the show at the end. There are many moments where things could have gone our way, that’s the nature of this format. Yes, that (comeback with the bat at the end) is a feature of our batting depth and the brand of cricket we play. We could sometimes get bowled out for 100 due to this approach but it’s the same style of play that’s made us what we are”.
Islamabad United will look to make a solid comeback after this loss. The United have played six matches thus far and they have won three and lost as many.
Islamabad United will next face Karachi Kings at the same venue of Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Monday.
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