PSL 9: Wasim Akram lauds 'calm' Imad Wasim after match-winning knock against Peshawar Zalmi
Islamabad United made its way to the final where they will take on Multan Sultans
Former Pakistani captain Wasim Akram praised Islamabad United’s all-rounder Imad Wasim after his match-winning knock against Peshawar Zalmi in the second eliminator of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi, on Saturday.
Zalmi’s Saim Ayub struck two early wickets which pushed United on the back foot as they were soon 21-3 in just 3.3 overs during their 186-run chase.
Martin Guptill too was removed by Khurram Shahzad and Islamabad were 50-4 in six overs with a certain defeat on the cards. However, Imad came to bat and slowly built an innings that ultimately led the two-time PSL winners to another final.
Talking on a local media channel, Wasim Akram praised Imad’s body language as despite losing five wickets and with a huge target to face, he didn’t let the pressure get him and was in full control of himself.
"When Imad Wasim came out to bat in such a situation, it can be a bit confusing, but he was totally calm. Look at his body language, it was a dangerous sign for Peshawar when he started,” Akram said.
“When a player is calm, it means that he is just waiting for his time and that’s what happened. He scored 59 off 40 balls, the strike rate was 147, but his innings was much better than what the stats show. The situation in which he came, the way he built a partnership with Haider Ali,” he added.
Remember, after the loss of early wickets, United needed an anchor and Imad Wasim stepped up. First, he formed a partnership with Azam Khan and later with Haider Ali.
Azam scored 22 off 17 balls with the help of a four and a six with Luke Wood ending a 41-run stand
Haider arrived with a mission and attacked Zalmi bowlers from the start. The duo took calculated risks while keeping up with the required run rate and formed a 98-run stand for the sixth wicket.
Imad scored his first fifty of the season, remaining unbeaten on 59 off 40 balls while Haider smashed 29-ball 52 with five massive sixes and two fours.
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