Quetta Gladiators beat Islamabad United in opening PSL 2020 match

KARACHI (92 News) – Defending champions Quetta Gladiators won the first match opening match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020 against Islamabad United by three wickets. Quetta Gladiators emerged victorious due to the contribution of young Azam Khan's commendable batting. Azam — the Gladiators’ 21-year-old emerging pick — smashed three shots over the boundary and stroked five shots to the fence to score 59 off 33 that helped Quetta chase a 169-run target in 18.3 overs for a loss of seven wickets. Earlier, Islamabad got a blow on the tournament's first ball when Colin Munro was caught and bowled by Mohammad Nawaz. After the first wicket was lost, Dawid Malan and Luke Ronchi tried to rebuild the innings and added 38 runs in 22 deliveries before the latter was caught at backward point off Sohail Khan after scoring 23. Following Ronchi's fall, it was Malan’s turn to take the charge and he did so by scoring some quick runs. The former added 68 runs for the third wicket before his partner, Hussain Talat (19), was caught by Ahmed Shahzad off Mohammad Hasnain. Colin Ingram was next to go and his wicket was followed by Malan’s departure. Malan had scored 64 off 50, smashing five fours and three sixes as Islamabad lost its last six wickets for just 41 runs. Mohammad Hasnain got four wickets conceding 25 runs. Ben Cutting got three, giving 31 runs in four overs. In response, Quetta also lost three wickets. Jason Roy (0) and Ahmed Shahzad (7) were sent back to the pavilion by Mohammad Musa while Shane Watson was run out after scoring 15. Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and Azam added 62 runs for the fourth wicket partnership and laid the foundation for Gladiators’ victory. Azam top-scored with 59, while Sarfaraz and Sohail Khan added 21 and 18 runs, respectively, before Ben Cutting (22 off 12) smashed a six off Shadab Khan on long-off to complete Quetta’s win with nine balls to spare. Quetta Gladiators won the toss and elected to field against Islamabad United. Reigning champions Quetta Gladiators will open the event, taking on two-time former winners Islamabad United. Shocking news for Quetta Gladiators as Umer Akmal was ousted before first match of team. Umar Akmal has been ousted from the big event of the HBL PSL 2020 after suspension by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). According to the press release issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Umar Akmal was suspended with immediate effect under Article 4.7.1* of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code, which means he cannot take part in any cricket-related activity pending the investigation being carried out by PCB’s Anti-Corruption Unit. As this is an ongoing investigation, the PCB will not make any further comments. Teams: Quetta Gladiators: Jason Roy, Ahmed Shehzad, Shane Watson, Abdul Nasir, Sarfaraz Ahmed (capt &wk), Mohammad Nawaz Ben Cutting, Azam Khan, Sohail Khan, Mohammad Hasnain, Fawad Ahmed Islamabad United: Colin Munro, Luke Ronchi (wk), Hussain Talat, Asif Ali, Dawid Malan, Colin Ingram, Faheem Ashraf, Akif Javed, Shadab Khan, Amad Butt, Muhammad Musa.