PSL 9 Eliminator 1: United Stand Tall As The Gladiators Crumble In The Knockout Game


Islamabad United defeat Quetta Gladiators in Eliminator 1 in a one-sided contest, and move on to face Peshawar Zalmi in Eliminator 2 of Pakistan Super League 9.

In the second game of the playoffs Islamabad United took on Quetta Gladiators in a do-or-die game on March 15th, 2024. Earlier in the tournament the Gladiators had defeated United in a low scoring game in Lahore when the two teams met for the first time in the tournament. While the second time around the game was rained out in Rawalpindi. This was the third time the two teams collided and the boys in red outplayed the purple force.

Islamabad who are known to be good chasers surprisingly chose to bat first after winning the toss. The two changes made by United turned out to be vital as both Martin Guptill and Obed McCoy delivered impactful performances. Guptill scored a handy fifty and was involved in four different partnerships with Alex Hales, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan and Azam Khan. Hales, Agha, Shadab and Azam all played small cameos and towards the end of their innings United collapsed having lost 6 wickets for just 36 runs. They were 131-3 in 15 overs and proceeded to a mere 167-9 in 19.2 overs. United posted a grand total of 174-9 in 20 overs. During the innings break, it was felt that they were at least 20 to 25 runs short.

Gladiators came out for the chase, and it was a disastrous start as they lost 5 wickets for just 16 runs in 4.2 overs. Imad Wasim found his best form as he removed Saud, Rilee and Nafay. On the other hand, Naseem Shah removed Roy whereas Evans was run out. Game was done and dusted there, Akeal Hosein and Omair Bin Yousuf tried to keep Quetta in the game, but again it was just too much catching up to do following that shocking start. Akeal played a good fiery knock as he scored 31 off 18 balls. Amir also came and played a little cameo, to no vain. The standout performer in Quetta's batting was Omair Bin Yousuf who fought till the end for his hard-earned fifty. He played some beautiful shots off Naseem Shah's bowling proving his mettle; it's just about giving him more opportunities in the future. United bowlers were just too good as Imad bowled a phenomenal spell of 4 overs conceding only 12 runs and picking up 3 wickets which earned him player of the match. Obed McCoy was also outstanding in his 3 overs as he only gave 13 runs and picked up a wicket.

Quetta Gladiators started off the tournament nicely, but towards the end they didn't seem like the same well gelled team. They have got some thinking to do for the next season; maybe add a quality seam all-rounder, take a final decision on Sarfaraz Ahmed and more.

Islamabad United will be happy with their performance, but they have no time to relax as they face the yellow storm Peshawar Zalmi on March 15th, 2024 in Karachi in Eliminator 2. The winner of this game will go onto play the Final against Multan Sultans on March 18th, 2024. 

 

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