Daily Times

DUBAI: Left-handed batsman Hussain Talat scored unbeaten 44 to lead Islamabad United to their first victory in the third edition of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) at Dubai International Stadium here on Sunday. Islamabad asked opponents Multan Sultans to bat first who bundled out for 113 with one ball remaining in the 20 overs. At one point during the 54-run fifth-wicket partnership between Shoaib Malik and Kieron Pollard, it seemed like Multan could muster a score they could defend in bowling-friendly conditions. In their reply, Islamabad were struck by Imran Tahir’s fury, who bagged figures of 3-19, but Talat made sure he stuck on the crease. His persistence was enough to take Islamabad past the finish line with five wickets in hand and 14 balls remaining. This was Multan’s first loss in three matches, while Islamabad have won one and lost one match in their PSL3 campaign until now.

Brief scores: Islamabad United 117 for 5 (Talat 48 not out, Imran Tahir 3-19) beat Multan Sultans 113 (Shoaib Malik 35, Rumman Raees 3-14) by five wickets.

Published in Daily Times, February 26^th 2018.