Faheem Ashraf Stuns Crowd in Final Over Against Sultans
In a stunning display of batting, Faheem Ashraf led Islamabad United to a remarkable victory over Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) today. The match was a nail-biter, with Islamabad needing 18 runs off the final over to chase down a daunting target of 208.
Faheem rose to the occasion, smashing the first ball of the over for six with an audacious ramp shot over the third man. The next ball was a wide yorker, which Faheem attempted to angle towards the leg side. An under-edge took the ball past the keeper to fine leg for four, bringing the equation down to 7 runs off four balls.
A straight drive from Faheem brought four more runs as Kieron Pollard misfielded on the boundary, and the next ball saw Faheem clear Pollard again to bring up his fifty and seal a thrilling victory for Islamabad United.
Faheem’s Performance
The shot that stood out, however, was Faheem’s ramped six off a wide yorker in the final over. The shot left commentators and viewers alike in awe, with Simon Doull’s open-mouthed reaction in the commentary box summing up the general disbelief at the stroke.
The nerves. THE MIGHT of @iFaheemAshraf.
We stand in awe. #HBLPSL8 | #SabSitarayHumaray l #IUvMS pic.twitter.com/M2aulurMP8— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 7, 2023
Before this incredible final over, Faheem had already done plenty of work, scoring a 26-ball half-century to keep Islamabad United in the chase. With 46 runs needed off the last three overs, Faheem smashed 28 runs off the next two overs to set up the dramatic finish.
Other Match Highlights
The Sultans won the toss and decided to bat first, setting a massive target of 206 runs for United to chase. Tim David announced his arrival in PSL 8 with a bang, scoring a blistering fifty off just 20 balls to help the Sultans post a big total.
The right-handed batter played a powerful knock, striking four boundaries and five maximums to race the score of Sultans in the presence of well-set Shan Masood. Masood himself played an impressive innings of 80 off 38 balls, with David contributing a major part in the third-wicket partnership.
In the second innings, United got off to a slow start, and things were looking bleak for them in the last five overs when they were nowhere near the target.
Shadab (44) and Colin Munro (40) also played important roles in United’s chase, scoring 59 runs off 30 balls together to tackle Sultans’ bowlers in the middle overs. The two batters set a new record for the highest successful run-chase in PSL’s history.
The duo entertaining their home crowd 🫡#HBLPSL8 | #SabSitarayHumaray l #IUvMS pic.twitter.com/VJO2jsJOcw
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 7, 2023
The game was a nail-biting affair with both teams giving it their all. Anwar Ali bagged three wickets while Ihsanullah and Usama Mir took two wickets each for the Sultans, while for United, Shadab, and Wasim bagged two wickets each, and Faheem took one.
What’s Next for Islamabad United and the PSL
This victory is a massive boost for Islamabad United, who are now firmly in the hunt for a playoff spot in the PSL. Multan Sultans, on the other hand, will be left ruing what could have been after coming so close to victory.
After this match, Islamabad United will play a game against the Lahore Qalanders on March 9. Meanwhile, the Multan Sultans are facing the Peshawar Zalmi on March 10.
