PSL 2022: Hales powers Islamabad United to second eliminator
What's the story
Returning Alex Hales powered Islamabad United to a five-wicket victory over Peshawar Zalmi in the eliminator 1 of the Pakistan Super League 2022.
In a lollapalooza of a clash where the tone of the game shifted back and forth, United stole a memorable win with three balls to spare to qualify for the second eliminator.
Meanwhile, Zalmi have been eliminated from the competition.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Following Thursday's result, Islamabad United have bettered their head-to-head record against Peshawar Zalmi.
The two teams have met on 19 occasions in Pakistan's domestic T20 league with both sides taking nine games each.
One encounter between United and Zalmi had no result.
Islamabad United will next take on Lahore Qalandars on Friday for a place in the final.
Innings
How did Peshawar Zalmi fare in the first innings?
Batting first, Peshawar Zalmi posted a respectable total of 169 runs for the loss of five wickets in 20 overs.
Kamran Akmal top-scored for Zalmi, with 58 runs off 39 balls. His knock was laced with seven fours and two sixes.
Shoaib Malik scored 55 runs off 43 balls while Talat contributed with 28.
Hasan Ali claimed three wickets while giving away 30 runs.
Won
Islamabad United won by 5 wickets
Chasing 170 runs, Islamabad United won the match in 19.3 overs.
Hales scored a blistering 62 runs off 49 balls with the help of six fours and three sixes.
Azam Khan and Shadab Khan contributed with 28 and 22 runs, respectively.
Faheem Ashraf played a cameo of 19 runs. Liam Dawson scored 10 runs off 2 balls.
Salman Irshad picked three wickets for 31.
Information
Date, venue, live-streaming for eliminator 2
Lahore Qalandars will lock horns with Islamabad United on Friday in the second eliminator. The game will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The Sony Sports Network has the broadcasting rights for this game. One can also live-stream it on the SonyLiv app (paid subscription).