The Islamabad United all-rounder has been the team’s best player in recent matches.
In a remarkable feat during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine final against Multan Sultans at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi, on Monday, Imad Wasim, the versatile player from Islamabad United, etched his name in the annals of history.
At 35 years old, Imad achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the inaugural player to secure a five-wicket haul in a PSL final. His left-arm spin proved formidable, concluding his spell with outstanding figures of 5-23 in four overs.
He commenced the inning in spectacular fashion, claiming two wickets in his opening over, dismissing the formidable Yasir Khan and David Willey, who were both in fine form.
Imad’s mesmerizing spell with the ball persisted as he proceeded to dismiss three additional Sultans batsmen — Khushdil Shah, Johnson Charles, and Chris Jordan — thus etching his name as the inaugural player to claim five wickets in a PSL final.
Imad, who guided Karachi Kings to triumph in the PSL of 2020, has emerged as a pivotal figure for Islamabad this season, particularly showcasing his prowess in three crucial matches where victory was imperative for his team.
He’s been excelling at the pinnacle of his game throughout PSL 9, standing out as Islamabad’s linchpin during their pivotal group encounter against Multan Sultans. His exceptional performance continued with a masterful bowling display of 3-12 against Quetta Gladiators in the initial Eliminator, followed by a stellar unbeaten 59 off 40 deliveries against Peshawar Zalmi in the subsequent Eliminator.
Opening their batting innings, the Sultans narrowly avoided a major setback in the initial over when their captain, Mohammad Rizwan, fell victim to the pace of Islamabad’s Naseem Shah. However, the 31-year-old was granted a reprieve as the 20-year-old bowler had overstepped the mark.
Nonetheless, the Sultans found little respite as Imad Wasim swiftly dismissed the in-form duo of Yasir Khan and David Willey in the second over, tightening the grip for Islamabad.
Following the setback of losing two wickets early on, Multan opted for a composed approach, with Rizwan and Usman Khan knitting together a vital 53-run alliance. Despite appearing to assert control over the game, the Sultans’ fortunes took a turn when their captain departed in the 10th over, having contributed 26 runs adorned with three boundaries.
Following Rizwan’s departure, wickets continued to tumble, yet Usman remained steadfast at the crease, taking the fight to Islamabad’s pace attack. The UAE cricketer soon reached his fifty, but his time on the pitch was short-lived as Shadab Khan struck, dismissing him for a commendable 57 off 40 deliveries.
As the Sultans’ innings approached its conclusion, it seemed improbable that they would surpass the 130-run milestone, having lost nine wickets for a total of 127 runs with just three overs remaining. However, Iftikhar’s resilience shone through as he remained at the crease till the end, guiding Rizwan’s side to a formidable total.
