Wright steers Quetta to easy win against Islamabad in PSL opener

DUBAI: England’s T20 expert Luke Wright scored impressive 86 to steer Quetta Gladiators to their first triumph against Islamabad United at the opening match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) by 8 wickets here at the Dubai International Stadium in the early hours of Friday.

In pursuit of a mediocre target of 129, Wright showed no respect to any of Islamabad’s bowlers hitting 4 sixes and 11 fours in his innings. Mohammad Nawaz, who took four wickets in restricting Islamabad to 128 for 7, also remained not out on run a ball 22.
Gladiators nailed the target with full four overs in hand.

Earlier, Islamabad United skipper Misbah-ul-Haq and Andre Russell tried to resurrect the disappointing innings after they were reduced to 63 for 6 in the 15th over.

Misbah however trapped by a slow bouncer by Anwar Ali in the penultimate over after scoring 41 in 28 balls. Russell remained not out on 35 off 20 balls.

Rookie bowler Nawaz took four wickets for only 13 runs in his quota of 4 overs. Anwar Ali, Zulfiqar Babar and Umar Gul shared a wicket each for the Gladiators.

Earlier, Sarfraz Ahmed had won the toss and invited Islamabad United skipper Misbah-ul-Haq to bat first.

The two sides have a strong domestic contingent. As many as eight players from the set-up have played for Pakistan.