Islamabad United made its way to the final where they will take on Multan Sultans.
Following his match-winning performance against Peshawar Zalmi in the second eliminator of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 9 ) season nine at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, former Pakistani captain Wasim Akram lauded the exceptional skills of Islamabad United’s all-rounder, Imad Wasim.
Early in the match, Zalmi’s Saim Ayub made a significant impact by taking two quick wickets, putting United in a challenging position with the scoreboard reading 21-3 in a mere 3.3 overs as they pursued a target of 186 runs.
Khurram Shahzad’s dismissal of Martin Guptill added to Islamabad’s woes, leaving them at 50-4 in six overs and facing an imminent defeat. Nonetheless, Imad’s composed batting gradually stabilized their innings, propelling the two-time PSL champions towards yet another final.
Khurram Shahzad’s dismissal of Martin Guptill added to Islamabad’s woes, leaving them at 50-4 in six overs and facing an imminent defeat. Nonetheless, Imad’s composed batting gradually stabilized their innings, propelling the two-time PSL 9 champions towards yet another final.
In a conversation on a local media channel, Wasim Akram commended Imad’s demeanor, noting how even amidst the pressure of losing five wickets and facing a daunting target, Imad remained composed and displayed a strong sense of self-control.
“When Imad Wasim stepped up to bat in such a challenging situation, one might expect some nerves, but he appeared completely composed. His body language was quite telling – a warning sign for Peshawar as he began his innings,” remarked Akram.
“When a player maintains such composure, it signifies that he’s patiently biding his time, and that’s precisely what unfolded. Scoring 59 runs off 40 balls with a strike rate of 147 is impressive, but Imad’s innings transcended mere statistics. Considering the challenging circumstances he entered, and the partnership he forged with Haider Ali, his performance was truly commendable,” he elaborated in the ongoing PSL 9.
Following the early dismissals, United urgently required a stabilizing force, and Imad Wasim rose to the occasion. Initially, he established a partnership alongside Azam Khan, and later he joined forces with Haider Ali to anchor the innings.
Azam contributed 22 runs from 17 deliveries, showcasing his prowess with a boundary and a six, before Luke Wood intervened to break their 41-run partnership.
Upon entering the crease, Haider wasted no time in launching an assault on the Zalmi bowlers right from the outset. Employing calculated aggression, the pair ensured they maintained the required run rate, ultimately forging an impressive 98-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
Imad reached his maiden half-century of the season, staying unbeaten on 59 runs from 40 deliveries, whereas Haider blazed his way to a rapid 52 runs from just 29 balls, featuring an onslaught of five towering sixes and two boundaries.
