Sensational half-centuries from openers Paul Stirling and Alex Hales started Islamabad United’s HBL Pakistan Super League 2022 campaign with a commanding nine-wicket win over Peshawar Zalmi in Karachi yesterday.
Islamabad overhauled 169-run target on the back of a blazing partnership worth 112 in 9.4 overs between the two. Stirling recorded Islamabad United’s fastest 50, breaching the landmark in just 18 balls. He spanked seven fours and three sixes in his 25-ball 57.
After Stirling was run out, Hales continues to score briskly. He raced to 82 not out off 54, hitting 13 fours and a six, as Islamabad chased down the target with 25 balls spare.
That Peshawar Zalmi had posted 168 was because of a remarkable 70 not out off 46 by Sherfane Rutherford.
The left-handed batter helped Peshawar stage a recovery after walking in to bat with his team at a precarious 35 for four. He was supported by Ben Cutting (26 off 17) in the death as the two added 51 in 29 balls.
Former England opener Hales said: “It was incredible to be out in the middle. The ball was coming onto the bat nicely. The wickets in Karachi are always good to bat on and today’s was a fantastic one to bat on.”
In the day’s second match, Lahore Qalandars yesterday beat Karachi Kings by six wickets.
BRIEF SCORES
Peshawar Zalmi 168-6, 20 overs (S. Rutherford 70, B. Cutting 26, S. Malik 25; F. Ashraf 2-23, Hasan Ali 2-34) lost to Islamabad United 172-1, 15.5 overs (Alex Hales 82 not out, Paul Stirling 57) by nine wickets.
Karachi Kings 170-7, 20 overs (Sharjeel Khan 60, Babar Azam 41) lost to Lahore Qalandars 174-4, 19.2 overs (Fakhar Zaman 106) by 6 wickets.
Paul Stirling (left) and Alex Hales of Islamabad United during their PSL match against Peshawar Zalim in Karachi yesterday.
