PSL 3: Patel admits Pollard gave them a scare

SHARJAH: At 90-6, Multan Sultans seemed on course for a big defeat in their HBL Pakistan Super League encounter against Islamabad United here at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

After allowing Islamabad to pile up 185 in the must-win game, Multan had crumbled under pressure and were looking set to suffer a huge loss.

But then Kieron Pollard began his demolition act and gave Islamabad a big scare.

The West Indian big-hitter smashed six sixers and five fours in a 47-ball 73 to put Islamabad on the back foot. But he fell short of giving his team a much-needed win.

“There is always a bit of a panic when he (Pollard) is there,” admitted spinner Samit Patel, who played a key role in Islamabad’s 33-run win.

“But we had experience to deal with that. Ammad Butt is a little bit inexperienced to bowl at someone like Pollard. But we had Mo (Mohammad Sami) at the other end and he had all the experience to get him out and he did that.”

Patel said that the mood in the Islamabad dressing room was good after they became the first team to qualify for the playoffs.

“The feeling is pretty good. We are playing consistent cricket. We didn’t get it right in the first few matches but the important thing is how you finish. The boys know their role,” he said.