Daily Times

DUBAI: Islamabad United outplayed Quetta Gladiators by one run in the 17th fixture of the Pakistan Super League’s second edition at the Dubai International Stadium here on Friday night. It was a high-octane and an exciting encounter which was decided on the last ball of the match. Chasing victory target of 166, Quetta were strongly positioned with 100 runs on the board for the loss of only one wicket after 12 overs. But in the last session of the game Islamabad proved to be the better of the two sides. Islamabad took four wickets in quick succession to halt the easy march of Quetta towards the target. Kevin Pietersen (69) and Ahmed Shehzad (59) played dazzling innings to laid a solid foundation for their team through their 133-run partnership. But with the departure of Pietersen and Shehzed, Quetta were caught in quicksand. And with seven required off 12 balls, the strange call to send in Anwar Ali instead of a regular batsman backfired. In any case, Islamabad, the defending champions, seized the moment to secure a playoff spot. Earlier, Hussain Talat was the leading run getter for Islamabad, as he scored 56 off 39. Misbahul Haq made 25 off 25 with Shane Watson chipping in late with 29 off just 16 deliveries. Zulfiqar Babar was the pick of bowlers for Quetta. He managed to grab two wickets at an economy of 4.25 in four overs. In their earlier match of the PSL, Islamabad rode on a brilliant innings of 78 by Sam Billings to beat Quetta by five wickets.

Brief scores: Islamabad United 165 for 6 (Hussain Talat 56, Zulfiqar Babar 2-17) beat Quetta Gladiators 164 for 5 (Kevin Pietersen 69, Ahmed Shehzad 59, Mohammad Irfan 1-23) by one run