DUBAI – Karachi Kings defeated Islamabad United by 6 wickets here on Sunday at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, ensuring their place in the playoffs of Pakistan Super League 2017.
Chris Gayle scored quick-fire 44 runs off 17 balls —striking back-to-back three sixes — but soon got out to Saeed Ajmal. However, Babar Azam continued the flow of runs from the other end until he was bowled by Shadab Khan with a googly.
Shadab picked two-in-two to bring hopes alive for United but responsible batting by Kieron Pollard and Ravi Bopara sealed the deal for Kings.
.@KarachiKingsARY record another exciting win to book their place in the play-offs, Congratulations Diloon Ke Badshah! #HBLPSL #IUvKK pic.twitter.com/gQPGl1DxKY
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) February 26, 2017
Sent into bat, Islamabad United have set a target of 124 runs to Karachi Kings. Opener Dwayne Smith scored 49 runs but lacked support from the other end as United failed to get momentum to play aggressively.
Brad Haddin with 20 and Ben Duckett with 16 were the other top scorers. For Kings, Sohail Khan, Muhammad Amir and Usman Khan picked up two wickets each.
To qualify for the next round, Karachi Kings will face the do-or-die situation in the last game. The outcome of today’s match will decide as to who would be the fourth team to play in the next leg of the Pakistan Super League 2017.
Its a 15 overs game and starts in 20 minutes! Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings, a must win for the KK to remain in the contest. #HBLPSL
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) February 26, 2017
Rain has stopped, the covers are off, umpires are reviewing the pitch. #HBLPSL #AbKhelJamayGa #IUvKK pic.twitter.com/kAUVQY3Tzu
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) February 26, 2017
This is one major downpour! Hoping it clears out soon! ⛈ pic.twitter.com/kKqEnGYPU5
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) February 26, 2017
Although, Islamabad United have qualified for the playoffs but their encounter with Karachi Kings on Sunday is important for Lahore Qalandars too
#IUvKK match will take place tonight as per schedule 8pm, if the rain persists the match will be delayed and start once rain stops. #HBLPSL
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) February 26, 2017
The match will start at 09:00 PM Pakistan time, 08:30 PM Indian, 05:00 GMT and 08:00 PM according to UAE time.
Where to watch: All matches will air on PTV Sports, Ten Sports and Geo sports. Similarly, cricket enthusiasts of the world can catch live action on MENA – OSN, Africa – Startimes, Bangladesh – Gazi TV, UK – A plus, channel 44, Prime TV, Geo TV, Caribbean – Flow TV, USA – A Plus, Afghanistan – Moby.
The first qualifying final playoff of the tournament will be played on Tuesday at Sharjah while the second qualifying final will be played on Wednesday at the same venue.
Similarly, the third qualifying final will be played on Friday at Dubai and the final will be played on March 5 in Lahore (not confirmed yet).
Karachi Kings: Kumar Sangakkara (captain), Shoaib Malik, Chris Gayle, Babar Azam, Ravi Bopara, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Saifullah Bangash, Shazaib Hasan, Sohail Khan, Kieron Pollard, Ryan McLaren, Khurram Manzoor, Kashif Bhatti, Usman Khan, Hasan Mohsin, Mahela Jayawardene, Usama Mir, Rahat Ali, Amad Alam.
Islamabad United: Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Shane Watson, Mohammad Irfan, Samuel Badree, Mohammad Sami, Brad Haddin, Sam Billings, Hussain Talat, Amad Butt, Dwayne Smith, Zohaib Khan, Ben Duckett, Shadab Khan, Ruman Raees, Saeed Ajmal, Imran Khalid, Asif Ali, Rafatullah Mohmand.
