Gayle storm leads Karachi to six-wicket win over Islamabad

Kings sealed playoff berth after achieving 124-run target with a ball to spare

Explosive West Indies opener Chris Gayle hits form just at the right time as Karachi Kings defeated Islamabad United by six wickets to seal a berth in the playoffs in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) second edition at Dubai Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing 124 to win in the rain-affected tie, Gayle finally returned to form and scored blistering 44 off just 17 balls with the help of five massive sixes and two boundaries to seal a rather comfortable victory for Kumar Sangakkara’s men.

He was well supported by his fellow opener Babar Azam (27 off 27) and Kieron Pollard (20 not out off 13).

For Islamabad, young leg-spinner Shadab Khan was the pick of the bowlers, as he claimed three wickets and just give away 13 runs in his three overs.

Earlier, after being sent in to bat first, Islamabad managed to score 123 for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 15 overs.

Opener Dwayne Smith finished the innings with the top score of 49 off 36 balls, which included seven boundaries and one six.

For Karachi, pacers Sohail Khan, Mohammad Amir and Usman Khan Shinwari claimed two wickets each.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 27^th, 2017.