Khawaja hits ton as United post highest total in HBL PSL history 

Islamabad United’s batsmen, led by stand-in captain Usman Khawaja, decimated the Peshawar Zalmi bowlers on the way to a massive 247-run total for the loss of two wickets during their Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) season six encounter on Thursday. 

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Islamabad United’s stand-in captain Usman Khawaja and opener Colin Munro got their side to a solid start. 

The two batsmen started cautiously before hitting a higher gear to combine for a 98-run opening stand off just 59 balls. 

Veteran all-rounder finally got the better of Colin Munro, bowling the batsman after he had scored 47 runs off 28 balls. 

The next batsman in was Asif Ali who went on a rampage against the Peshawar Zalmi bowler. 

The explosive batsman scored a quickfire 43-run knock off just 14 balls, with two fours and five sixes, before being removed by pacer Sameen Gul, caught by fielder Hazratullah Zazai. 

Islamabad United however were not willing to take their foot of the gas. Usman Khawaja was then joined by batsman Brandon King and the duo smashed an unbeaten 102-run partnership off just 43 balls to propel their side to 247 runs for the loss of two wickets in their allotted overs. 

Brandon King played an enterprising and unbeaten knock of 46 runs off just 22 balls. 

Usman Khawaja was the real star of Islamabad United’s effort making an unbeaten 105-run knock off just 56 balls to drive his side to the highest total in the history of the HBL PSL. 

Pacer Sameen Gul and veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik were the only successful bowlers for their side picking up one wicket apiece.