By Alam Zeb Safi
KARACHI: Rawalpindiz secured a dominant six-wicket victory over Islamabad United in their HBL PSL 11 show on Thursday, chasing down a modest target of 138 with nearly two overs to spare at the National Bank Stadium.
This was the first win for Rawalpindiz from nine games.
After electing to field, Rawalpindiz’s bowling attack clinicaly dismantled United batting line-up. Despite a steady 40 from opener Devon Conway, Islamabad struggled to find momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Rawalpindiz’s Dian Forrester proved pivotal in the final over of the first innings, claiming two wickets for just nine runs while Mohammad Amir and Saad Masood each picked up two scalps to restrict United to 137 all out. Chris Green provided a late flourish for United with a brisk 29 off 16 balls.
Fast bowler Naseem Shah, who had come after injury and had taken 1-9 in two overs, limped off the pitch while developing injury during fielding.
In reply, Rawalpindiz faced an early scare when opener Abdullah Fazal fell for a golden duck to Imad Wasim on the first ball of the innings. However, a composed 78-run partnership between captain Mohammad Rizwan (45) and Kamran Ghulam (42) stabilized the chase.
Though Shadab Khan and Chris Green managed to break the partnership and apply mid-inning pressure, Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 32 ensured there were no further hiccups. Mitchell, supported by Forrester (14*), guided Rawalpindiz to 140-4 in 18.1 overs to open their accounts.
The loss left United at the third spot with nine points from eight matches.
Summarised scores
Islamabad United Innings: 137 all out (20 overs): Devon Conway: 40 (33), Chris Green: 29 (16), Mark Chapman: 23, Mohammad Amir 2-21, Saad Masood 2-27, Dian Forrester: 2-9, Asif Afridi: 1-17
Rawalpindiz Innings: 140-4 (18.1 overs): Mohammad Rizwan 45 (38), Kamran Ghulam: 42 (30), Daryl Mitchell: 32* (25),
Shadab Khan: 1-18, Chris Green 1-26, Imad Wasim 1-33
Mohammad Rizwan (Man of the match)
