DUBAI: Islamabad United bowlers kept their line and length in check to restrict Karachi Kings to 111-9 in Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) eliminator at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Mohammad Sami was the pick of bowlers for United with figures 4-0-8-5. Sami, with his pace and swing, troubled Kings’ batsmen throughout his spell and dismissed Riki Wessels (one), Ravi Bopara (37), Ryan Ten Doeschate (16), Imad Wasim (six) and Usama Mir (zero).
After being four down for 39, Kings’ skipper Bopara tried to bring his team back into the contest by establishing a crucial 49-run stand for the fifth wicket with Doeschate, but in vain as batsmen coming down the order couldn’t sustain momentum.
Andre Russell took two wickets, whereas Mohammad Irfan and Samuel Badree also pitched in by claiming a wicket each.
Islamabad United won the toss and decided to field first, aiming to earn a spot in the 3rd Qualifying Final against Peshawar Zalmi.
United brought in Russell, Badree and Imran Khalid in place of Saeed Ajmal, Azhar Mahmood and Ashar Zaidi.
The Kings brought in Doeschate, Iftikhar, Imad and Mir Hamza.
United, led by Misbah-ul-Haq, are without hard-hitting Australian opening batsman Shane Watson. He was ruled out of the remainder of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with abdominal injury on February 13.
Kings, on the other hand, face a mountainous task under a new captain Ravi Bopara after Shoaib Malik stepped down from the role in a surprising move a day ago.
The Karachi side have had a poor campaign throughout the league, winning just two out of their eight matches, and only got through to the next round on a better head-to-head record against Lahore Qalandars.
On Friday, a jam-packed Dubai stadium witnessed a thrilling finish to Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) 1st Qualifying Final as Quetta Gladiators sealed a sensational one-run victory over Peshawar Zalmi.
Aizaz Cheema overcame a horror start to his night to win the game for his team as he successfully defended eight runs required off the last over.
The winner of today’s game will face the Shahid Afridi-led Peshawar side in the 3rd Qualifying Final on February 21.
Five-star Sami restricts Karachi to 111-9
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