Karachi Kings faced humiliating nine-wicket defeat by Islamabad United during qualifier for final of Pakistan Super League (PSL).
United chased the 112 runs target easily over loss of one wicket with 34 balls remaining as Kings’ new skipper Ravi Bopara failed to change fate of his team after replacing Shoaib Malik.
Opener Dwayne Romel Smith and Brad Haddin managed to complete their fifties besides leading their side to victory stand. Sohail Khan was the only bowler who took one wicket.
Earlier, Karachi Kings set low target of 112 runs for opponent Islamabad United as Mohammad Sami crushed whole batting lineup by grabbing five key wickets during the eliminator match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) today.
Kings’ position is visibly worsens after change of plan by replacement of captaincy from Shoaib Malik to Ravi Bopara as only three batsmen managed to enter into double figure on the scorecard.
Skipper Ravi Bopara was top scorer with 37 runs, Simmons scored 19 while Ryan ten Doeschate made 16 runs. Pacer Mohammad Sami grabbed five key wickets off only 8 runs during four overs. AD Russell took two wickets while Mohammad Irfan and S Badree grabbed one wicket each.
Earlier, Islamabad United had won the toss and elected to field first against Karachi Kings in crucial match to win for accessing final phase of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
The match played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium between United and Kings was ready to catch attraction of cricket fans after outstanding exhibition of fight in previous play between Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi which later won by Gladiators.
Islamabad United Team
Sharjeel Khan, DR Smith, Khalid Latif, Asif Ali, Misbah-ul-Haq*, BJ Haddin†, AD Russell, Imran Khalid, S Badree, Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Sami, Amad Butt, Rumman Raees, Umar Amin, Kamran Ghulam, Saeed Ajmal, Ashar Zaidi, Azhar Mahmood
Karachi Kings Team
LMP Simmons, Shoaib Malik, MH Wessels†, RS Bopara*, RN ten Doeschate, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Usama Mir, Sohail Khan, Mir Hamza, JM Vince, Shahzaib Hasan, Saifullah Bangash, Fawad Alam, Sohail Tanvir, Shakib Al Hasan, Bilawal Bhatti
