LAHORE: Islamabad United Saturday produced a commanding batting display to defeat RawalPindiz by seven wickets in the 12th match of Pakistan Super League at Gaddafi Stadium.
Chasing a target of 157, Islamabad reached the mark in just 14.2 overs, showcasing their batting depth and aggressive intent.
Put into bat first, RawalPindiz managed 156/7 in 20 overs. Their innings was anchored by Kamran Ghulam, who struck a composed 50 off 39 balls with six fours and two sixes, registering his 14th T20 half-century. Late fireworks came from Dian Forrester, who smashed an unbeaten 44 off 19 balls, including four sixes, to lift the total beyond 150.
RawalPindiz endured a shaky start, losing Yasir Khan (2) and captain Mohammad Rizwan (2) within the first four overs. The powerplay yielded only 35 runs for two wickets, leaving the side under pressure.
Kamran alongside Daryl Mitchell (19 off 15), added 50 runs for the third wicket, helping RawalPindiz recover from the early setbacks.
After Ghulam’s dismissal at 78/4, RawalPindiz lost wickets at regular intervals, including Sam Billings (7) and Abdullah Fazal (23 off 16, 2 sixes). However, Dian Forrester produced a sparkling cameo, smashing 44 not out off just 19 balls with two fours and four sixes. His aggressive strokeplay lifted RawalPindiz past the 150 mark, ensuring a respectable total despite the middle-order stumbles.
Islamabad United’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance. Imad Wasim was the most economical, finishing with 1/15 in 4 overs. Richard Gleeson (2/21) and Faheem Ashraf (2/22) struck crucial blows to keep RawalPindiz in check. Salman Irshad (2/52) proved expensive but picked up wickets in the death overs. Skipper Shadab Khan and Chris Green were targeted, conceding 20 and 23 runs respectively in their two-over spells.
Islamabad’s bowlers kept the opposition in check, with Imad Wasim (1/15) delivering a miserly spell, while Richard Gleeson (2/21) and Faheem Ashraf (2/22) struck crucial blows. Despite conceding runs at the death, Islamabad’s attack ensured RawalPindiz never fully broke free.
In reply, Islamabad United’s chase was spearheaded by Sameer Minhas, who played a blistering knock of 70 off 36 balls, laced with seven fours and four sixes. He reached his second T20 fifty in just 29 deliveries, setting the tone for a rapid chase.
Although Devon Conway (6) fell early, Minhas combined with Mohammad Faiq (19 off 16) to keep the scoreboard ticking. After Minhas departed at 92/2, Islamabad maintained momentum through Haider Ali (26 not out off 16) and Mark Chapman (24 not out off 7), both striking freely to seal the win with ease.
RawalPindiz’s bowlers struggled to contain Islamabad’s aggressive batting. Mohammad Amir (1/18) was the standout, but others proved expensive: Jalat Khan (1/38), Rishad Hossain (1/36), and Dian Forrester (18 off 1.2 overs) all leaked runs under pressure. Islamabad’s batters capitalised on loose deliveries, racing to 62 in the powerplay and reaching 100 inside 10 overs.
Islamabad United’s emphatic victory highlighted their batting firepower and ability to chase down targets with authority. Sameer Minhas’ explosive innings was the centerpiece, while Haider Ali and Mark Chapman ensured a smooth finish. For RawalPindiz, despite Ghulam’s steady half-century and Forrester’s late hitting, their bowling lacked discipline, leaving Islamabad firmly in control.
Islamabad United’s seven-wicket triumph consolidates their position in PSL 11, while RawalPindiz must regroup quickly to stay competitive in the tournament.
