Babar Azam has scored the highest runs in this year’s PSL 569 & the highest wicket-taker is Usama Mir, the bowler from Multan Sultan 24. However, neither of them managed to lift the trophy. Even though Babar had the opportunity to play two eliminator matches, he couldn’t lead his team to the final, and Mir played in the final but couldn’t clinch the trophy.
What a performance! In the playoff to final transition of the ninth PSL, one person’s absence is clearly felt – Imad Wasim. This 35-year-old spinner, who bid farewell to the Pakistan national team last year, has led Islamabad United to victory in the PSL for the third time. Last night in Karachi, Islamabad secured a thrilling victory against Multan Sultan with a two-wicket win.
They are the champions of the first and ninth seasons. They have now lifted the trophy twice in total, having never lost a final in Islamabad. Imad Wasim has played a significant role in leading the franchise to victory this time. Despite Islamabad captain Shadab Khan receiving the tournament’s best player award, it was Imad’s performance from the playoffs to the final that shone the brightest.
Whenever the team needed it, Imad rose to the occasion. In the league round, in Islamabad’s ‘must-win’ match against Multan, he played an unbeaten innings of 30 runs off just 13 balls, leading the team to an incredible victory. Although primarily a spin all-rounder, Imad has previously demonstrated his ability in the middle order. From the playoffs to the final, he has shown glimpses of brilliance in all three matches. He has won the player of the match award thrice in the tournament.
Yesterday’s match at Karachi’s National Stadium, after winning the toss, Multan batted first and scored 159 runs for the loss of nine wickets. In response, Islamabad chased down the target of 160 runs with just one ball to spare, finishing at 163/8. It was a nail-biting finish with just one run needed off the last ball, which Hussian Shah managed to score, securing the victory for Islamabad.
Islamabad struggled with regular wicket loss while chasing the target. In the ninth over, they were struggling at 55 runs for the loss of three wickets. However, Martin Guptill played a significant role in Islamabad’s chase. He scored 50 runs off 32 balls, including four fours and three sixes.
Apart from him, Asif Ali scored 30 off 22 balls, Nasim Shah scored 17 off 9 balls, Colin Munro scored 17 off 13 balls, Aga Salman scored 10 off 11 balls, and Imad Wasim remained unbeaten with 19* runs off 17 balls. Imad Wasim also contributed significantly with the ball, taking five wickets for 23 runs in four overs. Shadab Khan, the captain of Islamabad, took three wickets for 32 runs.
Before that, Multan set a target of 160 runs with Usman Khan’s blistering 57 off 40 balls leading the charge. Iftikhar Ahmed remained unbeaten with 32 runs off 20 balls. Their captain, Rizwan, scored 26 off 26 balls, while Khushdil Shah scored 11 runs off 13 balls.
Scores:
Multan Sultans: 159/9 (20 overs).
Islamabad United: 163/8 (20 overs).
Result: Islamabad United won by 2 wickets.
Final Man of the Match: Imad Wasim (Islamabad United).
Player of the Tournament: Shadab Khan (Islamabad United).
