Afridi, Rashid one-two punch gives Qalandars victory
Bopara's half-century, Mahmood's double-strike in vain for Peshawar Zalmi
Bopara's half-century, Mahmood's double-strike in vain for Peshawar Zalmi
Scorer: Ranjith P | Commentator: @PeterDellaPenna
Shaheen Afridi has been named Man of the Match for his 3 for 14. Rashid's helicopter finish wasn't enough to sway the judging panel. That's it from us for the first match in today's doubleheader. For Saurabh Somani, I'm Peter Della Penna. Islamabad United and Multan Sultans get underway in just over an hour so be sure to join Danyal Rasool in the central commentary position for that contest. Until then, take care!
Zalmi captain Wahab Riaz: "I think it was a good start from their bowling. There was a little bit in the wicket and the bowlers utilized it really well. The [batsmen] should have taken a little bit more time. I think the positive was the way that Shoaib and Ravi and Rutherford, especially the way the fielding fought. We put each and every thing into it to take the game to the last over. The message is very clear for Haider: go out, play your shots, play your game. There is no pressure if you get out or you score runs."
Here is Rashid Khan after the win: "I feel good. The best thing is to finish it off with the bat. I got an opportunity today and just wanted to finish it for the team and have a good win. That's how we wanted to get the tournament started. Mostly I think just the balance. I have all the shots but it's just about the balance. I need to have a proper balance at the wicket. I have strong wrists in the power that I can clear the rope, but working on my balance, that was struggling in the last year and I've been making lots of improvements though I still have lots left to do. I call that shot the mini-helicopter, just try to go for it. The wicket wasn't as spinning but you have to bowl in the right areas. It was sticking and skidding on. I was trying to take advantage of that and mix it up for the batsmen. When you get a green track like this, you want to play an important role. I focused on my length and economy. It's an amazing feeling, especially my first PSL experience, to feel happy and win the game for the team I absolutely love it."
5.37 pm Rashid makes his case for Man of the Match with that 27 not out off 15 balls to go with his 0 for 14 from four overs earlier. Economy strangled the Zalmi lineup in the first innings while Afridi profited in the wickets column. Qalandars were wobbling when Rashid entered on a hat-trick ball, but he got them across the line in very cool fashion. He'd get my vote for Man of the Match honors.
Camper: "Rashid does this around the world. Putting teams in great positions and making them feel strong (with both ball and bat) and then takes off for national duty. Qalandars gonna miss him in a few days!! This could have turned out very ugly for them had there been a typical number 8 walking in."
Amad Butt to bowl the 19th.
That over could hardly have gone any worse for Zalmi.
Matthew Staffor: "Deary me that Wahab no ball plus boundary reminds me of Phehlukwayo just now in the Pak v SA series". Andile bowled a few doozies.
Bopara's half-century, Mahmood's double-strike in vain for Peshawar Zalmi