Umar Akmal and Najibullah powered Quetta Gladiators to 179-6 in PSL 8
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Rawalpindi: (Sports Reporter) Umar Akmal’s blistering unconquered 14-ball 43 and Najibullah Zadran’s 34-ball 59 powered Quetta Gladiators to 179-6 in the 21st match of the eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
According to the source, at one stage, the united bowlers applied a coup de grace against the Gladiators’ batters. The Gladiators were four down for just 17. But it was Najibullah Zadran and Mohammad Nawaz, who stitched a formidable partnership of 104 off 64. Fazalhaq Farooqi was the standout bowler for the United who bagged the wicket of Mohammad Nawaz. Nawaz scored 44-ball 52, studding with six boundaries.
As per details Najibullah was cleaned up by Rumman Raees. Najibullah Zadran whacked five boundaries and three towering sixes. Later on, it was the fireworks from Umar Akmal’s willow that paved way for the Gladiators posting a decent total. Umar Akmal remained not out, scoring 14-ball 43, clobbering five boundaries and three maximums. With the exception of Nawaz, Zadran and Akmal, none of the Gladiators’ batters could reach double figures.
Furthermore Yasir Khan (5), Will Smeed (0), Sarfaraz Ahmed (3), Iftikhar Ahmed (2) and Odean Smith (4) showed any significant resistance. For the United, Fazalhaq Farooqi (3-25) spearheaded his time, scooping up three wickets. Faheem Ashraf (2-29) picked up two wickets. Rumman Raees bowled a decent spell, conceding just 29 in his four overs and bagged a wicket. Mubasir Khan (0-23), Hassan Ali (0-36) and Shadab Khan (0-32) remained wicket less.
Toss: Islamabad United elected to field first against Quetta Gladiators in the 21st match of the domestic premium tournament. Before the match, the United were spotted at the third spot with fours and locked horns with a bottom dwellers Gladiators.
Squads:
Islamabad United: R Gurbaz, Alex Hales, Colin Munro, Shadab Khan (c), and Azam Khan (wk) Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Mubasir Khan, Hassan Ali, Rumman Raees, and Fazalhaq Farooqi
Quetta Gladiators: Yasir Khan, Will Smeed, Iftikhar Ahmed, Najibullah Zadran, Sarfaraz Ahmed (c & wk), Umar Akmal, Mohammad Nawaz, Odean Smith, Umaid Asif, Naveen-ul-Haq, Naseem Shah.