Shinwari stuns Quetta in last over, Karachi Kings qualify for Playoffs
In the frenzy of a final over that saw three wickets, three runs, and a dismissal on 99, Usman Shinwari defended four runs to steal victory
In the frenzy of a final over that saw three wickets, three runs, and a dismissal on 99, Usman Shinwari defended four runs to steal victory
11.15pm Right, then. That's all from us at ESPNcricinfo tonight. Hope you enjoyed our coverage as much as we had in bringing the game to you. See you soon for more PSL action. Till then, have a good night!
11.10pm Reactions and presentation to follow.
Sarfaraz, the losing captain: "Both teams were supported by the crowd, an excellent game. I think we've understood that cricket is not an easy game. Ahmed played an excellent innings, but Shinwari trumped that in the final over. Although we've qualified, we wanted to win because we have the momentum moving on. Looks like 180+ is par here."
Imad, the winning captain: "I told Usman not to give up. Now that we've qualified, the pressure is taken off. Credit, though, will go to Shinwari. It's not easy to beat a top-class team."
Usman Shinwari is the Man of the Match. He says, "I was thinking that the ball is old, so I should try to use it well. The plan worked today, I'm glad. We know that bowlers can get hit for fours and sixes in a game, so we can't get disheartened when that happens. Need to just lift ourselves for the next delivery, and that's what paid off now."
Umer Khan: "I knew we could defend five, because we know how Usman bhai can bowl. Maza aaya (was a lot of fun). The message was to bowl wicket-to-wicket during the final stages. I'm bowling deliveries that are forcing batsmen to reach at it, and I'm getting success with that plan. Slowly, all our key performers are contributing in every match."
Nisar: "This is one of the G.O.A.T t20 matches i have ever seen in my life."
11.03pm Still reeling from this finish. T20 cricket at it's best, eh? We'll have the presentation soon, but spare a thought for Ahmed Shehzad. He singlehandedly kept Quetta in the game, but the match reminded us that 'it ain't over till the fat-lady sings'. However down and out you may be, you can never drop your shoulders. It takes just one ball to cause a shift in momentum, and Karachi today displayed that very trait. The win for Karachi will also scare the other playoff teams, because now they know that Karachi believe they can win from any situation. By the way, the four qualifiers are now decided: Quetta Gladiators, Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United and Karachi Kings qualify into the Playoffs
10.57pm Usman Shinwari conceded 22 off his third over, but took three wickets for only three runs in the final over to break Quetta and Lahore's hearts. When Ahmed Shehzad was out for 99, with four runs to win in five balls, the game still belonged to Quetta. But Usman Shinwari's fiery death-over bowling has absolutely dismantled Quetta's middle order, and has sent a knife through the heart of Lahore fans. A classic T20 game, one that will be remembered for years to come.
Ibrahim: "That's the impact of home ground and support. A stadium cheering you and supporting you can make you defend 5 runs in the last over."
Fayiz: "Only player to blame is sarfaraz. Knowing every angle of NSK he should have come in instead of bravo. "
Mnkhan : "Ahmed shahzad selfishness on first ball cost QG the match. He refused a 2 to complete his century and look where it got QG"
Zulfi: "Quetta and one run finishes... what a love story"
Sohaib Jan: "Usman Shinwari one minute down another minute up, just like Pakistani team.."
Sohaib Ahmed: "Shenwari absolutely redeeming himself in style."
Amir Javid : "What a nail biter! Cricket, Pakistan welcomes you back."
Umar Salamat: "2 runs please for a super over"
Haris : "shinwari you beauty. Always in red hot form, either runs or wickets "
If Karachi win, Lahore are knocked out. Remember.
Stephen Jones: "Have Quetta been watching the Indian ladies team ?? They blew it needing only 3 off 6 balls surely they can get the 5 they need from 6 balls ?? "
Osy: "Yes overtime #admin We want #superover"
Sarfaraz Ahmed b Usman Shinwari 0 (1b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00
Mazahir: "I feel for Mr. Rana only now."
Quetta need 4 to win in 3 balls.
Wajid Jawaid: "WHAT. A. MATCH"
Bilal Mustafa: "I want to be Shinwari in world of Bumrahs.... "
Anwar Ali c †Dunk b Usman Shinwari 2 (3b 0x4 0x6) SR: 66.66
Hamza Shah: "Karachi management Applauding Shahzad efforts what a great sign of support and love. PSL United the nation once again."
Ahmed Shehzad c Ingram b Usman Shinwari 99 (57b 8x4 6x6) SR: 173.68
Shehzad on 99
Quetta need 5 off 6. Lahore fans, breath easy...
In the frenzy of a final over that saw three wickets, three runs, and a dismissal on 99, Usman Shinwari defended four runs to steal victory