SHARJAH: Usman Khan Shinwari’s brilliant bowling helped Karachi Kings down Islamabad United by seven wickets in the final match of the group stage of the Pakistan Super League III at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium here on Friday. With this victory, Karachi qualified for the PSL 2018 play-offs and ended expansion franchise Multan Sultans hopes of going through. The game was of little importance to Islamabad as they had already qualified for the play-offs as the top team of the group stage. Islamabad rested in-form trio of Luke Ronchi, Samit Patel and Mohammad Sami, whereas Karachi were without their concussed captain Imad Wasim, who had been advised rest. Chasing victory target of 125, Karachi needed to score just 109 to ensure safe passage into the playoffs, but they never looked like falling short of the real target. A dazzling knock from Joe Denly on his 32nd birthday set them on their way, the former England international smashing 36 off 28 balls. Babar Azam (29) and Colin Ingram (31) played undefeated calm innings to see their side through.
Earlier, stand-in Karachi captain Eoin Morgan won the toss and opted to field first. Islamabad had no real motivation to win this one and it showed at the start of their innings. Both their openers departed early and they had just 22 runs on the board at the end of 5 overs. A thrilling spell of raw fast-bowling from the 23-year old Shinwari was too hot for league leaders Islamabad to handle, as he burst through Islamabad with four wickets for 17 runs. Mohammad Amir and Tymal Mills were nearly as impressive, if not quite as prolific as far as the wickets were concerned. Shahid Afridi also chipped in, taking two wickets as Misbahul Haq’s men were bowled out in 19 overs for just 124. Shinwari was named the man of the match for his four-wicket haul.
Brief scores: Karachi Kings 125 for 3 (Joe Denly 36, Colin Ingram 31) beat Islamabad United 124 (Asif Ali 34, Usman Shinwari 4-14, Shahid Afridi 2-18) by seven wickets.
Today’s match (Sunday March 18)
Qualifier: Islamabad United v Karachi Kings at Dubai International Cricket Stadium at 09:00 PM PST
Published in Daily Times, March 18th 2018.