Stirling guides Islamabad to comfortable win over Quetta

Islamabad United defeated Quetta Gladiators by six wickets to ensure that the latter remained winless in the ongoing HBL PSL 6.

Chasing a target of 157 runs, Islamabad got off to a flying start with opener Paul Stirling taking Quetta bowlers to the cleaners courtesy a brilliant batting display. His 33-ball 56 included eight fours and two sixes.

Fellow opener Alex Hales scored 23 runs off 13 balls with the help of five boundaries.

The duo’s 76-run opening stand broke the back of the chase and set Islamabad up for a comprehensive victory.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Rohail Nazir played a confident innings of 34 runs off 28 balls.

Shadab Khan scored 21 runs while Asif Ali remained unbeaten on 16 runs.

For Quetta, leg-spinner Zahid Mehmood claimed two wickets for 29 runs in four overs.

Earlier, Quetta Gladiators posted 156/7 in their allotted 20 overs after a fantastic rearguard action by captain Sarfaraz Ahmed.

Quetta were 4/41 inside the first powerplay, after Islamabad won the toss and decided to bowl first, but at this stage Sarfaraz played a gritty knock to ensure that his side did not capitulate completely. The Quetta skipper scored 54 runs off 41 balls, with the help of three fours and four sixes.

Ben Cutting (23 off 17) and Mohammad Nawaz (31* off 29) chipped in with important contributions to help their side set a competitive target.

For Islamabad, all-rounder Faheem Ashraf was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/11 in four overs. His spell was also the most economical in HBL PSL 6, so far.

Pacer Hasan Ali claimed two wickets for 23 runs in four overs.