Minhas’ 36-ball 70 powers Islamabad United in pursuit of 157
Islamabad United claimed a commanding seven-wicket win over Rawalpindiz in the 12th match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, powered by Sameer Minhas’ explosive half-century and a disciplined bowling effort.
Chasing a modest target of 157, the three-time champions comfortably reached the total, losing just three wickets with 34 balls to spare.
Topping the innings for Islamabad United was emerging opener Sameer Minhas, who produced a blazing 70 off just 36 balls, featuring seven fours and three sixes.
Sameer’s outstanding innings was supported by fellow top-order batter Mohammad Faiq, who contributed 19 runs, while the middle-order duo of Haider Ali and Mark Chapman remained unbeaten on 26 and 24, respectively.
For Rawalpindiz, Rishad Hossain, Jalat Khan, and Mohammad Amir each claimed a wicket.
United captain Shadab Khan’s decision to field first paid off, as Rawalpindiz were restricted to 156/7 in their 20 overs despite a steady half-century from Kamran Ghulam.
The Pindiz innings began poorly, with Richard Gleeson dismissing both openers, Yasir Khan and captain Mohammad Rizwan, two wickets each inside four overs, leaving the team reeling at 15 runs.
Meanwhile, Kamran Ghulam, coming in at No.3, took charge of Rawalpindiz’s innings and tried to steady the ship, forging a 51-run partnership for the third wicket with Daryl Mitchell, who added 19 off 15 balls.
Ghulam continued to display grit after Mitchell’s dismissal, reaching his third PSL half-century off 37 deliveries with a six over the rope off United captain Shadab Khan in the final ball of the 11th over.
However, he couldn’t convert the milestone into a big score, as Faheem Ashraf had him caught behind on the fourth ball of the next over. Ghulam walked back after top-scoring for Rawalpindiz with 50 off 39 balls, featuring six fours and two sixes.
After Ghulam’s departure, Rawalpindiz kept losing wickets at regular intervals and finished with a below-par total, despite useful contributions from Abdullah Fazal (23) and Dian Forrester, who remained unbeaten on 44.
The pace trio of Salman Irshad, Richard Gleeson, and Faheem Ashraf spearheaded Islamabad United’s bowling attack, claiming two wickets each, while experienced all-rounder Imad Wasim added one more scalp.
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