SHARJAH: Lahore Qalandars downed Islamabad United by one wicket in a thrilling match of the Pakistan Super League 2017 at Sharjah Stadium here Monday night. Umar Akmal’s dazzling half century made the victory possible after Qalandars lost early wickets in the 14th fixture of the PSL. Grant Elliott finished the match in style after hitting a six on a ball by Mohammad Sami, dropped the bat like a metaphorical mic and walked off the crease. Qalandars were in sight of victory after stabilising their innings with a damaging knock by Akmal. Akmal made a quickfire 66 off 42 balls but finally succumbed to a leg before on a ball by Shadab Khan. His knock insured that Qalandars recovered from their early losses while chasing the target of 146. Both openers, including skipper Brendon McCullum, were dismissed after playing false shots.
Earlier, the top order for United collapsed under a concentrated attack by Qalandars. Shadab, the highest scorer, fell at 42 after adding some much needed runs. He was run out eight runs shy of his half-century after hitting three sixes and two fours. The Qalandars bowlers struck with regular intervals and dismantled any budding partnership between the already shaken batsmen. Skipper Misbahul Haq struggled and only scored 16. The opening batsmen contributed 38 runs before returning to the pavilion.