United restrict Zalmi in HBL PSL finale

KARACHI: Defending champions Peshawar Zalmi were gasping for air at 26-2 after losing two of their biggest batting stars – Kamran Akmal and Mohammad Hafeez. And it seemed that it was game over for them when their ninth wicket fell in the 18th overs with the total being just 121 in the HBL Pakistan Super League final against Islamabad United here at the National Stadium on Sunday night.

But Wahab Riaz breathed life into Zalmi’s hopes with a stunning rear guard action that saw him lifting Peshawar’s total of 148-9, giving them a reasonably good chance of defending the title.

Wahab hit one six and four fours in an unbeaten 28 from 14 balls as he added 27 from 13 for the last wicket to keep Zalmi on course.Before that, Islamabad dominated the proceedings as their potent bowling attack didn’t allow any room to Peshawar’s batting line.

A packed crowd of over 33,000 fans at the National Stadium was made to wait for the boundaries as Samit Patel, Mohammad Sami and Shadab Khan bowled impressive spells.Zalmi must have rued their decision to bat first once Patel got the prized scalp of Kamran Akmal. The in-form Kamran crumbled when it mattered most as he fell for 1 after facing 9 balls to give Islamabad the upper hand. He was trapped leg before trying to sweep Patel fine but was unable to connect. He asked for a review but it only proved that he was caught plumb in front of the wicket. Patel then dismissed Peshawar’s other danger man Mohammaf Hafeez for 8.

Anton Fletcher tried to lift the innings but fell after smashing a 15-ball 21. Chris Jordan was promoted up the order and he didn’t disappoint hitting a 26-ball 36 that included three sixes. Liam Dawson was the other chief contributor towards the Zalmi innings with 33 from 30 balls. But things looked pretty bleak for Zalmi till the time Wahab produced some late fireworks.

Islamabad were highly impressive with the ball with Patel leading the way. He finished with figures of 2-26. Shadab Khan, the young spinner, returned with 3-25. Hussain Talat picked 2 for 18 while Sami finished with 1-31