PSL 2020: Quetta Gladiators defeats Islamabad United in the inaugural game
Quetta Gladiators vs Islamabad United (Image Source: Twitter)

It was a special moment for Pakistan Cricket as the fifth season of Pakistan Super League (PSL) kicked off on Thursday at National Stadium in Karachi, where Quetta Gladiators took the challenge of Islamabad United. It was special because, for the first time, this year’s season of PSL will be played entirely in Pakistan.

Defending Champions Gladiators got the better of two-time winners United in the tournament opener as they crushed their opponent by three wickets.

After winning the toss, the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led side opted to bowl first, and young pacer Mohammad Hasnain didn’t let down his skipper as he dismantled the United batting unit by claiming four wickets. All-rounder Ben Cutting too, joined the party and sent three batsmen back into the pavilion.

For United, only Dawid Malan looked in good touch, and no wonder he was the highest scorer for his side smashing a 40-ball 64 runs with five fours and three sixes. The Shadab Khan-led side couldn’t play their allotted 20 overs and was folded on 168.

In reply, the Gladiators started terribly as their first wicket fell for 0 in the form of Jason Roy. At 26, Gladiators were three down, however then the skipper and 21-year-old Azam Khan joined hands to rescue their team from early blows. The duo added a 62-run stand before Sarfaraz got out for 21.

Azam, on the other hand, kept on scoring runs and reached his half-century. His heroic helped the Gladiators to chase down the target inside 19 overs.

For his outstanding bowling, Hasnain was rewarded with the ‘Player of the Match’ award.

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