Pakistan Super League 2024: Islamabad United’s captain Shadab Khan grabbed a stunning catch in the first innings of the Qualifier 2, to dismiss Peshawar Zalmi’s captain. Babar Azam, who is tournament’s highest run-getter, was looking in fine touch alongside the highly dangerous Saim Ayub. However, Naseem Shah came back into the attack and got rid of Babar Azam, when the Peshawar Zalmi starlet tried to chip a low full toss over the mid-off region, but Shadab Khan was sharp and alert and jumped high to grab a stunner.
A bird, a plane? No, it’s SUPERMAN SHADAB KHAN 😱#HBLPSL9 | #KhulKeKhel | #PZvIU pic.twitter.com/PZFbd2ZNHV
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 16, 2024
However, this was the only contribution from Shadab Khan which made any difference in the match as heroics from Haider Ali and Imad Wasim guided Islamabad to a historic victory over Peshawar Zalmi.
“Yes, feeling great to see the franchise reach the final. We were struggling at one point in time, losing five wickets. We wanted to take it deep, put together a partnership and get it done. Imad Wasim told me to keep playing cricketing shots; the runs would follow when I came to the middle. Credit goes to the management, Shadab Khan, and to all the players because they do support all the time. We want to keep playing the same way in the final as well,” said Hiader Ali, who’s quickfire 50 turned the match around.
“I thought today’s wicket was better than before. I tried to not give pace because bowling quicker will give the batters advantage. It was 190-200 runs wicket and we bowled well in the death overs. They were 15 runs short. The wicket was too good. We tried to play ball-by-ball and I thought Haider will take the chance so decided to stay till the end. Credit goes to Haider Ali for playing such an exceptional knock. I think the final will be competitive. Multan is a terrific team and we will get one day before the game. We will have some icing and massage before coming out for the final,” said Imad Wasim, who was awarded the man of the matc for his antics in the match.
