Islamabad United pip Peshawar in PSL eliminator

Islamabad United’s Alex Hales plays a shot as Peshawar Zalmi’s wicketkeeper Mohamed Haris dives during the Pakistan Super League match in Lahore yesterday. (AFP)

Two-time champions Islamabad beat Peshawar Zalmi by five wickets in the first Pakistan Super League (PSL) eliminator in Lahore yesterday, preserving their chance of a crack at the T20 title. Opener Alex Hales cracked 49-ball 62 with three sixes and six boundaries to help United overhaul a 170-run target at Gaddafi stadium. Peshawar, who won the PSL title in 2017, had managed 169-5 after winning the toss and electing to bat, with veteran former Pakistan player Kamran Akmal scoring 39-ball 58. With Islamabad needing 10 off the last over, Liam Dawson hit a six and four to complete the chase in 19.3 overs. Islamabad, winners of the inaugural edition in 2016 and then in 2018, will face Lahore Qalandars in the second eliminator today. The winner will meet defending champions Multan Sultans in Sunday’s final. Hales was fortunate to survive a stumping off leg-spinner Ali Majid on nought and a dropped catch on nine off the same bowler. Hales, who returned home last week citing bubble fatigue before rejoining for the remaining matches, took full advantage of the lapses to set the platform. Despite fast bowler Salman Irshad removing Shadab Khan (22), Hales and Asif Ali (seven) in a deadly spell of 3-31, Dawson ensured the match was not lost. Shoaib Malik also scored 43-ball 55 in Peshawar’s innings.BRIEF SCORES Islamabad United 170 for 5 (Hales 62, Azam 28, Irshad 3-31) beat Peshawar Zalmi 169 for 5 (K Akmal 58, Malik 55, Hasan 3-30) by five wickets.