Islamabad topple Peshawar to lift PSL trophy second time

KARACHI: Despite a strong public support, defending champions Peshawar Zalmi failed to retain the title as Islamabad United defeated them by three wickets with 19 balls remaining to lift the glittering trophy for the second time in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) here at the jam-packed National Stadium on Sunday night.

Chasing 149, Luke Ronchi and Sahibzada Farhan provided a sound start of 96 to pave the way for an easy win for the United but then Umaid Asif and Chris Jordan were brought in to attack and they grabbed three quick wickets for only six runs to change the momentum of the game.

First, Jordan dismissed Ronchi, who blasted 52 from 25 balls, smashing five huge sixes and four boundaries. It was his fifth half-century in seven matches in the third edition of the PSL. He also became the highest run-getter in the event.

Just after Ronchi’s dismissal, Chadwick Walton was bowled by Umaid Asif for a duck and then Jordan struck again to get out captain Jean-Paul Duminy, caught and bowled, for two.

Later, Farhan also went out, after making 44 off 33 balls with five fours and a six, and Islamabad United were 112 for four.

Soon they lost two more quick wickets as Samit Patel (10) and Shadab Khan (1) fell and the United were 116 for six, needing further 33 runs from 36 balls.

Then came Hussain Talat and Asif Ali to add 32 valuable runs when Talat was bowled by Wahab Riaz as they needed just one run.

However, new comer Faheem Ashraf lofted a six off Wahab and Islamabad United emerged victorious in the end.

Asif Ali remained not out on 26, made off only six balls as he smashed three consecutive sixes. to leave the Zalmi empty handed after a great fight back.

Jordan, Wahab and Hasan Ali claimed two wickets each for Peshawar Zalmi.