LAHORE – Sameer Minhas propelled Islamabad United to dominant seven-wicket triumph over RawalPindiz in the 12th match of PSL 11 at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
Chasing a modest target of 157, United’s batters dismantled the opposition with authority, reaching the total with three wickets down and 34 balls to spare. Emerging opener Sameer stole the show with a breathtaking 70 off just 36 balls, smashing seven fours and three sixes to earn Player of the Match honors.
He received critical support from top-order partner Mohammad Faiq (19) and a composed middle-order stand by Haider Ali and Mark Chapman, who remained unbeaten on 26 and 24, respectively, steering United to an effortless victory.
The game started in Pindiz’s favor as captain Shadab Khan elected to field first. RawalPindiz’s innings, however, began in disastrous fashion. Pace spearhead Richard Gleeson struck early, removing both openers, Yasir Khan and captain Mohammad Rizwan, for just two runs each within the first four overs.
The onus then fell on Kamran Ghulam, who walked in at No.3 and attempted a recovery. Ghulam combined with Daryl Mitchell for a 51-run partnership for the third wicket, with Mitchell scoring a quick 19 off 15 balls. Ghulam’s brilliance shone as he reached his third PSL half-century in just 37 balls, capping the 11th over with a towering six over Shadab. Yet, his valiant effort ended when Faheem Ashraf caught him behind on the fourth ball of the following over, leaving him as Pindiz’s top scorer with 50 from 39 balls, featuring six fours and two sixes.
After Ghulam’s dismissal, Pindiz struggled to build momentum, losing wickets at regular intervals. Useful contributions from Abdullah Fazal (23) and Dian Forrester (44 not out) were not enough to push the total to a competitive level.
United’s pacers led the charge with a clinical display—Salman Irshad, Gleeson, and Faheem Ashraf shared six wickets among them, while experienced all-rounder Imad Wasim chipped in with one, ensuring Pindiz never gained a foothold.
Sameer’s whirlwind knock and United’s relentless bowling combined to deliver a statement win, underlining Islamabad United’s intent to dominate PSL 11. With this performance, they not only secured a comfortable victory but also sent a warning signal to the rest of the league: chasing United is a perilous task when their stars are firing.
Islamabad United have won the toss and chosen to field first in their clash against newcomers RawalPindiz. The 12th match of PSL 11 is being played at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
Earlier, Cricket enthusiasts were left on tenterhooks as rain forced a dramatic delay in the toss for 12th match of PSL 11, featuring three-time champions Islamabad United taking on newcomers RawalPindiz at the legendary Gaddafi Stadium.
Despite heavy showers, the ground staff fought tirelessly to clear water from the pitch, determined to get the field ready for what promises to be a clash for the ages. Earlier, RawalPindiz teased fans on social media with images of the rain-drenched stadium, dark clouds looming ominously.
Weather forecasts added to suspense, as 30 minutes before the toss at 6:00 PM local time, there was a 49% chance of rain. But hope returned as conditions were expected to improve, with only a 2% chance by 7:00 PM, remaining negligible through midnight, signaling that a full match could still unfold.
Debutants Pindiz are eager to notch their first victory, while Islamabad United is fiercely vying for a top-two finish in the PSL 11 standings.
Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (c), Salman Irshad, Andries Gous, Devon Conway, Faheem Ashraf, Mehran Mumtaz, Mark Chapman, Nisar Ahmed, Mir Hamza Sajjad, Sameen Gul, Sameer Minhas, Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Dipendra Singh Airee, Mohammad Faiq, Mohsin Riaz, Chris Green, Mohammad Salman Mirza
RawalPindiz: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Sam Billings, Jalat Khan, Yasir Khan, Naseem Shah, Rishad Hossain, Daryl Mitchell, Mohammad Amir, Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Dian Forrestor, Asif Afridi, Kamran Ghulam, Razaullah, Mohammad Amir Khan, Shahzaib Khan, Cole McConchie, Usman Khawaja, Saad Masood
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