Imad, Haider shepherd United into PSL final

KARACHI: Imad Wasim and Haider Ali hit match-winning fifties as Islamabad United swaggered into the HBL PSL final for the first time since 2018, handing Peshawar Zalmi a heartbreaking defeat in the process.

Chasing an imposing victory target of 186, United were in hot waters at 21-3 and then at 91-5 in 11 overs before Imad and Haider smashed an unbeaten sixth wicket stand of 98 off just 48 balls to take their side into Monday’s final against Multan Sultans.

Champions in 2016 and 2018, United have never lost in a PSL final.

And the way they bounced back on Saturday night here at the National Bank Stadium, has handed them the momentum, something that would be crucial in the title clash.

“We didn’t bowl well in the last ten overs,” rued Babar Azam, the Zalmi captain. “But full credit to Imad and Haider. They played really well.”

Imad was the rock in United’s innings as he hit nine fours in his 40-ball 59 but it was the destructive batting by the big-hitting Haider, who hit five sixes in his stunning 52, that swung the game in United’s favour.

“It’s a great feeling that our team has reached the final,” Haider said. “We batted sensibly and then went for the kill,” he added.

Earlier, Shadab Khan won the toss and put Zalmi into bat. Opener Saim Ayub was in his element as he delighted the crowd with a sensational batting display. The youngster hit six fours and four stunning sixers as played the lead role in Zalmi’s total of 185-5. He put on 72 from 46 balls with Babar in a solid opening stand. Babar started well with a 22-ball 25 that included a six and two fours but fell to Naseem Shah with his opposite number Shadab taking a gem of a catch at mid-off. Mohammad Haris hit two sixes and three fours in a 25-ball 40 before becoming Naseem’s second victim. Saim’s prized scalp went to Shadab. Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Aamer Jamal chipped in with handy cameos allowing them to put a solid total on the scoreboard.

At one point in time Zalmi were well on course for a 200+ total but Naseem (3-30) and Imad (0-23 in 4) managed to contain them. United needed a positive start but lost Alex Hales, Agha Salman and Shadab in quick succession to the spin duo of Saim Ayub and Mehran Mumtaz. They were gasping for air at 21-3 in the fourth over before Martin Guptill lifted them briefly with an entertaining 34 that included five fours and a six. Guptill threw away his wicket, handing Babar a straight forward catch off Khurram Shahzad.

Azam Khan hit a six and four but failed to capitalise on a good start and was cleaned up by Khurram after a 17-ball 22. Imad and Haider then took United towards a memorable win.