PSL 2022: We lost back to back wickets in the end, that’s why we lost – Asif Ali

Islamabad United stand-in captain Asif Ali reasoned they lost against Peshawar Zalmi in the 24th match of the ongoing Pakistan Super League 2022 by 10 runs as they lost back-to-back wickets in the fag end of the run-chase.

Peshawar Zalmi posted a par score of 206 runs after Wahab Riaz won the toss and decided to bat first.

Islamabad got off to a good start as their openers – Rahmanulllah Gurbaz and Mubasir Khan provided a quick start after they scored 54 runs in the first four overs. Gurbaz scored a fine knock of 46 runs off just 19 balls as he was able to time the ball to perfection.

Subsequently, Azam Khan continued his rich form as he scored 85 runs off just 45 balls with the help of six fours and seven sixes.

But apart from him, none of the middle-order batters could get going. Faheem Ashraf was dismissed on the last ball of the 18th over whereas Wahab Riaz accounted for Azam Khan on the first ball of the penultimate over. Thus, it was the turning point of the game as Zalmi was able to get rid of the settled batter.

Asif Ali said in the post-match presentation, “The pitch was good and the ball came on nicely. We lost the match in the last over, Wahab bowled well, we lost back-to-back wickets in the end that’s why we lost. Our openers gave a great start but we did not finish it off. I was not needed with the ball tonight”.

On the other hand, Mohammad Haris was awarded the Player of the match for his fine knock of 70 runs off just 32 balls. Haris was delighted with his performance and gave his gratitude to the team’s support staff for believing in him.

He said after the game, “Want to give my thanks to the Peshawar family who has given me the freedom to play my game in the powerplay. Sometimes I pre-meditate, but mostly I read what the bowler is doing, look at the field, and then go about it. Play bravely and luck is with you, work hard, that is the secret of our success”.

Meanwhile, Islamabad United will look to bounce back stronger in the upcoming matches. United will next face Lahore Qalandars on Saturday at the same venue.