Islamabad United registered their seventh straight win after they defeated Quetta Gladiators by six wickets in the Pakistan Super League on Thursday.
Chasing 148, JP Duminy led the way with a 54-run effort from 47 deliveries. The South African became Rahat Ali’s second victim of the evening but the 2016 champions had the final say at the Sharjah Stadium.
After Asif Ali had hit a six in the 17th over, he repeated the feat once again against Rahat, which sealed the victory with 10 balls to spare.
The result means they have cemented their spot at the top of the standings and will play the Qualifier 1 on Sunday against the second-placed side. For Quetta, they still remain second but could be overtaken by Karachi Kings in their final group match on Friday.
Asif Ali scores the match-winning six for Islamabad United!
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 15, 2018
Watch ball by ball highlights at https://t.co/Hfdi8iialE#QGvIU #HBLPSL #PSL2018 @_cricingif pic.twitter.com/YXZznQutAr
Earlier, batting first, last season’s runners-up Quetta didn’t have the best of times with the bat with their top-order failing to click. Jason Roy, who joined the team this week after this involvement in the England ODI series with New Zealand, could only score 17 while veteran all-rounder Shane Watson was dismissed for 8.
Umar Amin provided some resistance with 28 from 27 balls. Kevin Pietersen’s poor form continued with only seven runs but captain Sarfraz Ahmed led from the front to hit a vital 43 from 30 deliveries as Quetta reached 147-7. Faheem Ashraf was the pick of the bowlers for Islamabad with figures of 3-19.
Meanwhile, in the earlier game, reigning champions Peshawar Zalmi remained in contention for the play-offs with a 44-run win over Karachi Kings.
Kamran Akmal scored 75 as Peshawar Zalmi reached 181-6. In reply, Karachi Kings’ batting-order failed to click with Babar Azam top-scoring with 66. Karachi Kings are third while Peshawar Zalmi are fifth with one match to play.
