Islamabad set target of 175 runs for Quetta Gladiators in Eliminator 1

A middle-order collapse restricted Islamabad United to post 174/9 runns in the Eliminator 1 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9 being played at National Bank Stadium Karachi on Friday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

Martin Guptal's fifty and Azam Khan blitz in last overs powered Islamabad United to build a competitive score for the Quetta Gladiators.  

 Shadab Khan’s decision to bat first, bore fruits for the United as the two-time champions got off to a flying start to their innings.

Islamabad United’s opening pair of Martin Guptill and Alex Hales put together a 51-run partnership which lasted in the sixth over.

Guptill dominated the opening stand while Hales fell victim to Akeal Hosein after a 20-ball 23 which featured three boundaries including two sixes.

Salman Ali Agha then joined Guptil in the middle and added an important 51 runs for the second wicket before falling victim to Saud Shakeel in the 12th over.

Skipper Shadab Khan (23) and Azam Khan (18) then partnered briefly with Guptill and made modest contributions with brisk cameos in the middle overs.

Martin Guptill remained the top-scorer for the United with a 47-ball 56 which included five boundaries and a six.

Mohammad Amir and Akeal Hosein bagged two wickets each for the Gladiators while Mohammad Wasim Jr, Saud Shakeel and Abrar Ahmed struck out a batter apiece.