Daily Times

DUBAI: Islamabad won the inaugural Pakistan Super League 2016 by six wickets on Tuesday night after defeating favourites Quetta Gladiators in a thrilling final at Dubai International Stadium here. Chasing a formidable target of 175 runs, Dwayne Smith hammered a scintillating knock of 73 off 51 balls including 07 fours and 04 sixes while Brad Haddin played an undefeated dazzling innings of 61 off 39 balls including 02 fours and 05 sixes to lead Misbahul Haq’s Islamabad to a stunning victory. Quetta though were considered favourites but Islamabad turned the tables on them. It was a dramatic finish for Islamabad who defeated the PSL’s big guns Peshawar Zalmi to storm into the final. And Smith ensured they continued their march even in the pressure finale watched by a full house at the Dubai Stadium. Smith, who was dropped on 52 by Anwar Ali, found an equally belligerent partner in Haddin, who scored his third fifty in a row. Misbah, who had termed the PSL almost like a “World Cup” at the toss, sealed the victory with a flick past midwicket and sparked off
wild celebrations.

Earlier, Quetta, put to bat first, made 174 after Ahmad Shahzad (64) and Kumar Sangakkara (55) scored half-tons. Quetta lost their opener Bismillah Khan for a duck in the first over. Kevin Pietersen, playing his third T20 final this season after the Ram Slam and Big Bash League, promised much before holing out to deep square leg for 18; Asif Ali completing an excellent catch. Sangakkara and Shahzad then married power and timing in an 87-run partnership. Sangakkara in particular played some exquisite shots and Quetta could have scored even more had it not been for a couple of tight overs from fast bowler Mohammad Sami. Sangakkara’s exit set in motion a flurry of wickets as Quetta lost four wickets in four overs at the death. Andre Russell bagged three wickets while Muhammad Irfan accounted for two batsmen.

Pakistan’s inaugural national cricket league was an unexpected success, even at the neutral venue of the UAE. Since the PSL was announced last September, the Pakistan Cricket Board sold five franchises for $93 million and attracted players from 11 different countries. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has congratulated the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on successful arrangement and execution of PSL. The Prime Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to all participating players and teams for playing enthusiastically through out the tournament. The Prime Minister appreciated the role and efforts of PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan, PSL chairman Najam Sethi and all those who played a role in successfully arranging the event.