Imad Wasim showcased a standout performance with the ball, guiding Islamabad United to a crucial victory over Quetta Gladiators in the Eliminator of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024. Islamabad handed defeat to Quetta by 39 runs at the National Stadium in Karachi on Friday. With this triumph, Islamabad moves closer to the tournament final, where they will confront Peshawar Zalmi in the upcoming Qualifier 2 on Saturday (March 16). The winner of this clash will advance to face Multan Sultans in the highly anticipated summit showdown.
Islamabad United’s batting performance sets the stage
Having won the toss, Islamabad opted to bat first, aiming to set a challenging target for Quetta. They made a great start during the powerplay, accumulating 51 runs, but unfortunately lost Alex Hales to Akeal Hosein in the sixth over. Subsequently, Agha Salman partnered then with Martin Guptill, and together they forged a solid 51 runs alliance for the second wicket.
Quetta Gladiators’ disastrous chase: Collapse within the powerplay
The partnership between the duo saw them taking on Mohammad Wasim Jr and Usman Tariq before Saud Shakeel managed to break it. However, Shadab Khan and Azam Khan then played aggressive cameos, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking, while Guptill steadily reached his fifty. Quetta, Nevertheless, continued to pick up wickets at regular intervals. Towards the end, Mohammad Amir and Wasim Jr delivered brilliantly, conceding just 19 runs in the final overs and taking five wickets, restricting Islamabad to 174/9 in their allotted 20 overs.
Also READ: Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024: Broadcast and Live Streaming details – When & Where to Watch in India, Pakistan, Australia, US, UK & other countries
Player of the Match: Imad Wasim’s outstanding performance
Today’s chase proved disastrous for Quetta as they suffered yet another collapse within the first six overs. Key batters like Jason Roy, Saud Shakeel, Rilee Rossouw and Khawaja Nafay failed to even reach double digits. Imad’s exceptional spell of 3/12 during the powerplay earned him the Player of the Match award, while Naseem Shah‘s contribution with figures of 2/33 played a vital role in Islamabad United’s victory.
Quetta’ mistakes and Islamabad’s triumph
Quetta’s woes were compounded by their own mistakes, as they suffered two unnecessary runouts of Nafay and Evans just when they were building momentum. Omair Yousuf emerged as the top scorer for the Quetta with a composed 50 off 37 balls, supported by valuable cameos from Hosein (31) and Amir (23) down the order. However, despite their efforts, losing half of their side during the powerplay proved too much to overcome, ultimately resulting in their defeat.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
A dominant performance by Islamabad United seals the win against Quetta Gladiators in Eliminator 1!
Spectacular spell By the bowlers today Especially the spell by Imad Wasim.
Looking forward to seeing them take on Peshawar Zalmi in Eliminator 2. #IUvQG #PSL9
Who will claim… pic.twitter.com/lla8zy8jnF
— Saeed Ajmal (@REALsaeedajmal) March 15, 2024
Only Imad Wasim is capable of saving IU from embarrassment in play-offs
Guy is CLUTCH. Don’t let his haters tell you otherwise. pic.twitter.com/0WAuO5AF9i
— Areeba (@arieba_chaudryy) March 15, 2024
Imad Wasim brought his daughter to receive Player of the Match award. Ma Shaa Allah ❤️❤️#HBLPSL9 #tapmad #HojaoAdFree pic.twitter.com/Wih1qmFPeG
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) March 15, 2024
Imad WASIM for real? 😭
3 wickets in important match damn
— mickey 🇵🇸 (@Baby_loney_tune) March 15, 2024
Imad Wasim delivers a masterclass!
Finishing with an incredible 3/12 in his 4 overs. His spell was nothing short of superb, playing a key role for us today.
Hats off, @simadwasim 🫡#IUvQG #HBLPSL9 #UnitedWeWin pic.twitter.com/LQjN9ilzBf
— Islamabad United (@IsbUnited) March 15, 2024
🌟 IMAD WASIM PLAYER OF THE MATCH 🌟#HBLPSL9 | #KhulKeKhel | #IUvQG pic.twitter.com/Vtt26cZVnM
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 15, 2024
Imad Wasim on slow WI pitches will be valuable.
— Abdullah (@michaelscottfc) March 15, 2024
Quetta Gladiators 😂😂😂
— Wajahat Kazmi (@KazmiWajahat) March 15, 2024
A 39 run victory for Islamabad in the first eliminator knocks out the Quetta Gladiators from PSL 9, and while the team in purple dropped 3 catches in the field, it was their batting that once again let them down.
— Behram Qazi 🇵🇰 🇨🇦 (@DeafMango) March 15, 2024
I think 9 years is enough for this Quetta Gladiators management
They should have to appoint new coaches, management and captain next year, needs a revamp pic.twitter.com/lL21G8aJK3
— ٰImran Siddique (@imransiddique89) March 15, 2024
You never retire as street fighter @SarfarazA_54 pic.twitter.com/2sXAmYHCZr
— Rashid Latif | 🇵🇰 (@iRashidLatif68) March 15, 2024
Also READ: IPL 2024: Harbhajan Singh mocks Pakistan fan after he expresses desire to see Babar Azam play for RCB alongside Virat Kohli
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