Thrilling victory: Lahore snatch nail-biter against Islamabad

DUBAI: Former New Zealand all-rounder Grant Elliot kept his cool as Lahore Qalandars defeated Islamabad United by one wicket in a thrilling contest at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday.

Chasing 146 to win the match, Qalandars were cruising till the 16th over, courtesy sublime batting from middle-order batsman Umar Akmal.

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However, cluster of wickets in the last three overs left Lahore needing six runs off five balls with just one wicket remaining.

Elliot, who was not out on 20, struck a massive six on the bowling of Muhammad Sami to hand his team a much needed win.

Umar finished the innings with the top score of 66 off 42 balls with the help of eight fours and three sixes.

For Islamabad, left-arm pacer Rumman Raees claimed three, whereas all-rounder Shadab Khan picked two wickets.

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Earlier, after being put in to bat, Islamabad United managed to score 145 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

United were in all sorts of trouble after losing their six wickets for just 83 runs, but 53-run seventh-wicket partnership between Shadab and Ammad Butt helped Islamabad post a respectable total.

Shadab finished the innings with the top score of 42 off 24 balls with the help of two fours and three sixes.

For Lahore, pacer Amir Yamin claimed three, whereas leg-spinner Yasir Shah picked two wickets. For his outstanding batting performance, Umar Akmal was awarded man of the match.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 21^st, 2017.