Quetta Gladiators maintained their stronghold over the table leaders’ position in the inaugural Pakistan Super League after beating Islamabad United by seven wickets in the eleventh match at Sharjah on late Thursday.
In their 118-run chase, Quetta skipped a breath when Andre Russel took two consecutive wickets in the third over but Gladiators’ captain Sarfraz Ahmed held his nerve and guided the team past the finish line with a sensibly played half-ton.
Earlier, Islamabad were all out for 117 against Quetta after being sent in to bat first.
Shane Watson gave United a good start with 40 off 28 balls but no other player was able to capitalise on it. Imran Khalid was the second best scorer with 18 runs off 18 balls.
The dibbly-dobble Grant Elliot was able to take three wickets with his variations. Meanwhile, Zulfiqar Babar and Aizaz Cheema bagged two apiece for Quetta.
Post-match presentation
Man of the match is Grant Elliot for his three wickets: “New Zealand is not that far away. It was happy to play alongside a passionate bunch of guys. The ball was stopping a touch. Sir Vivian is an inspirational guy, to meet the man in flesh is good.”
Shane Watson: “After my wickets everything went down bad for us. The plan was to play better after two wins in the last two matches. We have to be better tomorrow now.”
Sarfarz Ahmed: “All the credit goes to the guys and especially to the bowlers. Grant Elliot and Aizaz Cheema were exceptional for us. I want to carry my good form. Shehzad and KP are helping the team out there. Moin Khan and Sir Vivian are also holding the management part nicely.”
