Zalmi beat United to clash with Quetta Gladiators in final

KARACHI (Monitoring Desk): Hasan Ali (3-29) and Chris Jordan (3-26) defended 215 runs for Peshawar Zalmi as they beat Islamabad United by 48 runs in Eliminator 2 to qualify for the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season four.

It were batsmen who lead Zalmi to a mammoth total against a well-balanced United. Kamran Akmal and Imam-ul-Haq hold the charge for their team by scoring 135 runs opening partnership.

Both the openers led the charge for Zalmi after they were sent to bat first on the pitch which offered much to the batsmen. The real power-hitting was seen in front of an enthusiastic crowd which cheered the revival of cricket.

In just five overs, Zalmi posted 51 runs on the scoreboard without losing any wicket which ensured their smooth and aggressive form. The scoreboard read 117-0 in 10 overs and it looked that both openers were not in a mood to leave any of the opponent’s bowler.

At last in 13th over, Cameron Delport brought the first breakthrough for United as Imam misjudged the ball and edged it high in the sky. Ronchi, behind the stumps, took a well-running catch.

In the same over, Delport removed the second opener Kamran who struck 10 boundaries and three sixes.

Darren Sammy, in the end, played a cameo of 30 runs to further strengthen the total of Zalmi and put United under immense pressure. Chadwick Walton of United fought hard to get his team over the victory line but it was the day for Zalmi.

Chadwick Walton couldn’t get enough of Tymal Mills as he lofted the ball in the hands of Nabi Gul. Kieron Pollard got rid of Asif Ali who edged the ball in the gloves of Kamran. Hasan Ali deceived Cameron Delport as he picked the length of the ball late and gave away a simple catch. He made 28 runs.

Islamabad United have won the toss and decided to field first against Peshawar Zalmi in the second Eliminator of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season four at National Stadium Karachi. “We have a commendable bowling line which can restrict Zalmi to the fewer total,” said Sami after winning the toss.

Darren Sammy, on the other hand, is confident to get the things right for them this time around and play Quetta Gladiators in the final. “Our batters keep the ability to put a handy show with the bat and I believe they will score big,” he said. The winning team will lock horns with Quetta Gladiators in the final on March 17 (Sunday).