RawalPindiz Post 156/7 Against Islamabad United After Forrester’s Late Blitz

Rawalpindi Pindiz posted a competitive 156/7 in 20 overs against Islamabad United in Match 12 of HBL PSL 11.

After a persistent drizzle delayed the toss, Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan elected to bowl first, citing a damp outfield and the potential for dew to assist his batters later in the evening.

The decision paid immediate dividends. England’s Richard Gleeson, spearheading the United attack, dismantled the Pindiz top order within the Powerplay. Gleeson’s extra bounce accounted for the dangerous Mohammad Rizwan, while his pinpoint accuracy trapped Yasir Khan in front of the stumps. At 37/2, the Pindiz looked vulnerable in the powerplay. 

However, the innings found its backbone in Kamran Ghulam. He anchored the middle order, rotating strike effectively against United’s spin duo of Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim. Ghulam reached his half-century off 39 deliveries.

The momentum shifted dramatically in the 16th over when Dian Forrester took center stage. With the Pindiz languishing at 96/5, Forrester unleashed a calculated blitz, clearing the ropes with ease. His cameo of 44 runs off just 19 balls, including four towering sixes. Salman Irshad, despite picking up two wickets, bore the brunt of Forrester’s aggression, conceding 52 runs in his four-over spell.

Faheem Ashraf, proved to be the most economical of the lot, finishing with figures of 2/22. His ability to vary his pace in the death overs prevented the Pindiz from crossing the 170-mark, which at one point seemed inevitable during Forrester’s rampage.

As the innings concluded at 156/7, the narrative remains finely balanced. 

For Islamabad United, the target of 157 requires a disciplined start.