Match 3: : Islamabad United versus Lahore Qalandars |
| Date: 2nd March, 2018 |
| Ground: Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
| Umpires: : Khalid Mahmood, Ranmore Martinesz |
| Toss won by: Lahore Qalandars, elected to field first. |
| Scorecard Summary |
1st Team Play: 121/9 (20 Overs, RR: 6.05)
Performers:
Batting: JP Duminy 34 runs off 36 balls, Hussain Talat 33 runs off 21 balls.
Bowling: Yasir Shah 3/20 in 4 overs, Sunil Narine 0/10 in 4 overs.
Target: 122 runs from 20 overs.2ND Team Play: 121 all out (19.4 Overs, RR: 6.15)
Performers:
Batting: Agha Salman 48 runs off 35 balls, Brendan McCullum 34 runs off 49 balls.
Bowling: Mohammad Sami 3/21 in 3.4 overs, SR Patel 3/17 in 4 overs.Player of the match: Mohammad Sami
Result: Match tied (Islamabad United won the one-over eliminator). |
|
- This was another loss for the Lahore outfit who, against all odds and logic, managed to throw away a game when it was all but wrapped up. With just 45 runs required off 52 balls, and with eight wickets in hand, Brendan McCullum’s side looked on course to the victory they so desperately needed. But then, maybe paying homage to the improbable collapses which are a part of the Pakistani cricketing culture, the Qalandars somehow lost all confidence and composure. The mercurial Agha Salman lost his wicket and started a slide which somehow ended up with his side needing seven to win off the last over with 2 wickets remaining. Luckily, the game went to the Super Over, courtesy of a monstrous six from Salman Irshad. Unluckily, for the Qalandar’s at least, they lost out to Andre Russell’s big hits.
- The brittleness of Lahore’s middle order was on full display again. Let’s put aside ability and shot selection, the lack of confidence was so glaring to see. The doubt and nerves were apparent. In the professional game, when an opponent senses mental weakness, they exploit it. The Lahore middle order should plenty of it and were made to pay. Again.
- For the team from the capital city, three key men handed them an unlikely victory. Hussain talat puts runs on the board and gave the bowlers something to work with. Mohammad Sami was brilliant and his accurate bowling meant that none of the batsman, not even McCullum, found any sort of rhythm. Last but not the least, Andre Russell has still got it. The powerful West Indian batsman pulled another rabbit out of the hat and his ferocious striking helped United win in the Super Over.
- Lahore are rock bottom, with no wins or points from four games. Islamabad United have 4 points, joint with Peshawar and Quetta.
|
|
