Pakistan Super League Final
Islamabad United were crowned the inaugural champions of the HBL Pakistan Super League after they beat Quetta Gladiators in the final by six wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on late Tuesday.Misbah opted to bowl first after winning toss and the Gladiators, riding on the back of half-tons by Ahmed Shehzad (64) and Kumar Sangakkara (55) scored 174-7 in their 20 overs.In their chase, Dwayne Smith (73) and Brad Haddin (unbeaten 61) gelled to put up an 85-run partnership under pressure for the second wicket.
The team diretor for Islamabad, legendary left-arm pacer Waism Akram, expressed his happiness in the following words.
“I am thrilled, we all are thrilled,” said Wasim. “The team peaked at the right time. You do need experience and you do need young talent as well in this format. This is just the start of the [PSL] and it will get better with time.”
Islamabad coach Dean Jones, meanwhile, said: “Its not only about the older guys, its also about the younger guys who will have learnt a lot from this experience.”United’s Pakistani right-arm pacer Muhammad Sami said the confidence given to him by the team was helpful. : “I am absolutely happy to win. The team management gave me a lot of confidence in the start and I was able to deliver. All the boys are happy.”Islamabad’s best bowler in terms of wickets Andre Russell also revealed his formula of success. “Winning has been following me; Big Bash, Bangladesh Premier League and now the PSL. When you are enjoying your game, success follows you,” he said.Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has congratulated Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on successful arrangement and execution of PSL. The Prime Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to all participating players and teams for playing enthusiastically through out the tournament.The Prime Minister appreciated the role and efforts of PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan, PSL chairman Najam Sethi and all those who played a role in successfully arranging the event.
