Islamabad United become first PSL champi

DUBAI: ‘Islamabad United, led by Misbah-ul-Haq, became the champions of the first-ever Pakistan Super League, defeating Quetta Gladiators in a high-scoring final Twenty20 here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.Chasing a daunting target of 175, Islamabad United completed the six-wicket win with eight balls remaining. ‘Two fifty-plus partnerships by top-order batsmen played a vital role in this victory.Dwayne Smith added 54 with Sharjeel Khan (13) for the first and 85 with Brad Haddin for the second wicket.Smith made 73 off 51 balls with seven fours and four sixes while Haddin remained not out on 61, scored off 39 balls with five sixes and two boundaries.For Quetta Gladiators, Nathan McCullum, Anwar Ali, Aizaz Cheema and Zulfiqar Babar claimed one wicket each.Earlier, Quetta Gladiators compiled 174 for seven after being sent into bat by Islamabad United captain Misbah-ul-Haq, ‘who won the toss and decided to field first.Their main scorers were Ahmed Shehzad and Kumar Sangakkara who together made 87 from 56 balls for the third wicket partnership.Shehzad scored 64 off 39 balls with nine fours and a six while Sangakkara made 55 off 32 balls with seven fours and two sixes.Right-arm Fast bowler Andre Russell was the most successful bowler fro Islamabad United, taking three wickets for 36 while left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Irfan captured two for 25.Fast bowler Mohammad Sami and leg-spinner Samuel Badree took one wicket each.’