KARACHI, Jan 30 (Asia Free Press): Shadab-led Islamabad United started their journey with a victory in HBL PSL 7 after defeating Peshawar Zalmi by 9 wickets at National Stadium Karachi.
Peshawar Zalmi lost the toss and was offered to bat first. Peshawar Zalmi stumbled initially until the score was 35-4 but Rutherford’s innings helped Peshawar Zalmi to a reach the safe to score of 168-6 at the end of 20 overs. Rutherford scored 70 runs facing 46 deliveries. Shoaib Malik scored 25 and Ben Cutting at the end hit 26 runs on 17 balls.
Islamabad United bowlers performed really well and restricted Peshawar Zalmi to a low total. Faheem Ashraf in his four-over spell, conceded 23 runs claiming 2 wickets, where as Hassan Ali conceded 34 runs for the same number of wickets taken. Skipper Shadab Khan and Muhammad Wasim got 1 wicket each.
Chasing 168, Islamabad United openers Alex Hales and Paul Stirling turned the match into their favour after they scored 112 until the loss of first-wicket in just 9.4 overs.
IPaul Stirling, who was awarded Man of the Match, played a splendid knock of 57 runs in just 25 balls while staying not out, Alex Hales scored 82 runs out of 54 deliveries. Islamabad United achieved the required target in 15.5 overs.
The Zalmi’s bowlers did not perform well, Paul Stirling was the only wicket conceded who was run-out by Zalmi skipper Wahab Riaz.
Aleem Dar and Ahsan Raza were the field umpires where as Shozab Raza was the TV umpire for the match. Muhammad Javed performed the duty of Match Referee.
