PSL: Karachi Kings defeat Islamabad United in 2nd qualifying playoff

SHARJAH (92 News) – A spirited bowling performance from Karachi Kings helped them secure a 44-run victory, which ended defending champions Islamabad United's Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2017 campaign. Islamabad United skipper Misbah won the toss and opted to bowl first. The bowlers started off brilliantly, bowling a record 13 consecutive dot balls in the start of the innings. Babar Azam (25) then score briskly along with Chirs Gayle (17) to take the score to 42 runs inside 6 overs. Rumman Raees's 4 for 25 helped United to bowl Kings out for 126. However, his efforts were overshadowed by three-wicket hauls from Mohammad Amir (3-7), Imad Wasim (3-18) and Usama Mir (3-24) as Kings skittled United for 82 to set up a clash against Peshawar Zalmi in the third qualifying final. The quick wickets invariably caused a dip in the scoring rate and United could only manage 34 in the powerplay, despite Asif Ali taking the attack to Sohail Khan in the sixth over. The United dugout was left in a state of shock while there were jubilant scenes in the Kings camp when Amir, who had done the early damage, came back to pick up the last wicket by dismissing Raees in the 16th over. Karachi Kings will meet Peshawar Zalmi in the second eliminator. The winner of that game will be through to the final.