David Wiese delivered a stunning performance in the final overs of both innings during the HBL PSL 7 Eliminator 2 against Islamabad United. His exceptional display led his team to a thrilling six-run victory and secured their spot in the HBL PSL 7 final against defending champions Multan Sultans on Sunday, in front of an enthusiastic Lahore crowd at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Weise completely changed the game’s momentum with his batting performance, smashing 26 runs off the final over bowled by Waqas Maqsood. Waqas also gave away a wide, resulting in 27 runs conceded in the over. This sudden surge took Qalandars from a seemingly low total of 141 for seven to a competitive 168 for seven in just six balls. Weise finished unbeaten with his explosive innings of 28 off eight deliveries, which included one four and three sixes.
In the final over he bowled, Weise was exceptional, giving away just one run off four balls. Mohammad Wasim Jnr was run out, and then Waqas was brilliantly caught by Abdullah Shafique in the deep. With United bowled out for 162 with two balls to spare, Qalandars sealed their place in the final.
Qalandars won the toss and chose to bat first. However, their plans took a hit right at the start when Liam Dawson dismissed Fakhar Zaman, who had been the leading run-scorer of the tournament, for just 1 run in the first over. Dawson then accounted for Phil Salt (2) in his second over.
Qalandars made a strong recovery thanks to a 73-run partnership for the third wicket between Abdullah Shafique and Kamran Ghulam. Abdullah treated the crowd to an array of impressive shots as he reached his maiden HBL PSL half-century. The right-hander top-scored for Qalandars with 52 off 28 (four fours, three sixes).
Kamran Ghulam added 30 runs from 26 deliveries, including three boundaries and one six. Following their dismissals, Qalandars faced a middle-order collapse. Samit Patel managed 21 runs from 18 balls, while Mohammad Hafeez struggled to find his rhythm, scoring 28 runs from as many deliveries. It was the final over that turned the tide in their favour.
Dawson with two for 24 (four overs) was the pick of the United bowlers.
Other performers
United faced a daunting challenge after losing four quick wickets, finding themselves in trouble at 46 for four in just 5.4 overs. Paul Stirling, Will Jacks, Shadab Khan, and Liam Dawson were all dismissed early, contributing 13, 0, 14, and 12 runs respectively. Qalandars’ captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, played a crucial role in this phase, claiming two wickets in a compelling opening spell.
Alex Hales and Azam Khan led United’s recovery with a crucial 79-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Hales scored 38 runs off 29 deliveries, including two fours and a six, while Azam Khan contributed 40 runs off 28 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes.
Qalandars made a comeback in the game just when United seemed to be in control after Azam’s dismissal in the 14th over. Following Hales’ departure, Asif Ali’s knock of 25 runs off 22 balls kept United in a good position for victory.
However, United continued to lose wickets, and as the final over began, they needed eight runs for victory. Yet, Wiese’s performance ensured that Lahore’s supporters left the stadium in a jubilant mood.
For Qalandars, Haris, Shaheen, and Zaman each claimed two wickets. Interestingly, United lost three wickets to run-outs during their innings.
Player of the match David Wiese: “Unbelievable game and unbelievable team effort. The last over with the ball became easier for me when Haris got the wicket before the over began. I wanted to bowl dot balls and we got a run out also in the middle that made things easy. It has been amazing to play in front of such a wonderful crowd that has come out to support us all the way, it has been absolutely incredible.”
Scores in brief:
Lahore Qalandars 168 for 7, 20 overs (Abdullah Shafique 52, Kamran Ghulam 30, David Weise 28 not out; Liam Dawson 2-24, Mohammad Wasim Jnr 2-25)
Islamabad United 162 all out, 19.4 overs (Azam Khan 40, Alex Hales 38, Asif Ali 25; Haris Rauf 2-31, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-32, Zaman Khan 2-32)
