Explosive Hasan propels United to 174-run total despite disciplined Zalmi attack

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An explosive finish from the defiant Hasan Ali saved Islamabad United from being restricted for a low total against a disciplined Peshawar Zalmi bowling attack as the Men in Red finished with a total of 174 runs for the loss of nine wickets in the second qualifier of the Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) season six in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, 

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first by Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United were off to a horrible start as in-form opener Usman Khawaja (one off two) was run-out early in the innings. 

Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Akhlaq was removed, caught behind by wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, off the bowling of pacer Mohammad Imran after scoring seven runs off five balls. 

Batsman Brandon King came out to bat with intent but was soon removed by all-rounder Amad Butt, caught by fielder Umaid Asif, after scoring 18 runs off 16 balls. 

While wickets were falling at the other end, opener Colin Munro continued to play in an unrestrained manner at the other end. 

The explosive batsman was finally removed by pacer Mohammad Irfan, caught behind by wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, after scoring 44 runs off 29 balls. 

Peshawar Zalmi piled on the pressure as Islamabad United tried to stitch together a pertnership that could allow them to go after the bowlers in the death overs. 

Skipper Wahab Riaz removed batsman Iftikhar Ahmed, caught behind by wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, after he had scored 10 runs off 12 balls. 

Pacer Umaid Asif then stepped up for his side picking up the wicket of skipper Shadab Khan, caught by wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, after scoring 15 off 16 balls. 

Umaid then dealt a major blow to Islamabad United’s chances of recovering by removing the explosive Asif Ali, caught by fielder Sherfane Rutherford, after scoring eight off seven balls. 

Wahab Riaz then removed all-rounder Faheem Ashraf (one off five) after a successful catch by fielder Hazratullah Zazai. 

Just when it seemed Islamabad United were going to be bundled out for a low total, tailenders Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim switched the entire complexion of the game on its head. 

The duo combined for a whirlwind 61-run partnership off just 24 balls to propel their side to a significant total. 

Hasan Ali was run-out towards the end after scoring a blazing 45-run knock off 16 balls while Mohammad Wasim remained unbeaten after scoring 17 runs off 11 balls as Islamabad United ended their innings with 174 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted overs. 

Pacers Wahab Riaz and Umaid Asif picked up two wicket each for their side.