Defending champions Islamabad United got back to winning ways in PSL 2019 after a thrilling 12-run win over Peshwar Zalmi in Sharjah on Friday.
Coming into the match on the back of successive defeats, Islamabad United dismissed Zalmi for 146 in the final over after posting 158-9.
The star of the show for Islamabad was 18-year-old fast bowler Muhammad Musa who picked up 3-25. Musa was the find for the 2018 U19 World Cup for Pakistan alongside fellow quick Shaheen Afridi and all-rounder Hasan Khan.
Skipper Mohammad Sami finished things off in the final over with 19 needed as he picked up the final three wickets in three balls to complete a hat-trick.
England batsman James Vince hit top form earlier in the day for Multan Sultans against Lahore Qalandars. In the evening game, it was the turn of compatriot and Islamabad batsman Ian Bell to be among the runs as he scored 54 off 46 balls to lay the foundations for a late charge.
But unlike the first clash of the day that saw both teams score 200, batting became difficult as the night wore on. In-form pacer Hasan Ali picked up two wickets while right-arm seamer Sameen Gul picked up three wickets to keep Islamabad’s progress in check.
THE OYE HOYE MOMENT!
— Cricingif (@_cricingif) February 22, 2019
The debutant Mohammad Musa getting rid of @PeshawarZalmi's skipper @darensammy88 for another twist in the tale
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details 👉 https://t.co/PpJwhGDTuA #IUvPZ #PSL2019 #KhelDeewanoKa #CricketForAll #OyeHoye pic.twitter.com/7CYurwUFgU
From 120-4 in the 16th over, Islamabad stuttered to 158-9.
In reply, it was Pakistan’s Under-19 World Cup find Musa who turned heads with a fiery spell. The right arm quick gave away just one run in his opening over and took the wicket of Karman Akmal.
Bowling at speeds in excess of 140kph, the 18-year-old got reverse swing as well and added the scalps of Dawid Malan and Peshawar skipper Darren Sammy.
In his final over – the 18th of the chase – he was spanked for a four and six by Wahab Riaz but Musa finished his spell with the wicket of Sammy just as Zalmi were closing in on Islamabad’s total.
Kieron Pollard struck leg-spinner Shadab Khan for two massive sixes during his knock of 51 off 22 balls but in the end the target was just out of reach for Zalmi. Islamabad skipper Sami used his years’ of experience to secure the win.
