Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan admitted that they didn’t bowl well in their last five overs in the end against defending champions Multan Sultans at the National Stadium, Karachi on Tuesday after they lost by 20 runs. Multan Sultans posted an above-par score of 217 runs in the first innings after Shadab Khan won the toss and decided to bowl first.
Tim David took the attack to the Islamabad United’s bowlers as he smashed 71 runs off just 29 balls as he batted at the top of his game. The right-hander from Singapore, blasted six fours and as many sixes as he scored at a strike rate of 244.83. Furthermore, Rilee Rossouw scored a quickfire knock of 67 runs off just 35 balls as he smashed four fours and six sixes.
In fact, at one stage Multan Sultans were 110/3 after 14 overs and scored 107 runs off the final six overs. Islamabad United’s bowlers were not right on the money with their yorkers and slower balls and thus they were taken to cleaners by Tim David and Rilee Rossouw.
Shadab Khan said in the post-match presentation, “Our last five overs in the death while bowling weren’t good. We have bowlers who bowl well usually under pressure. Last year as well we had batting depth and we like to go hard. We could score 100 on some days and 200 as well. It helps to have these many all-rounders. I batted well, but it would have been better if we would have won”.
Meanwhile, Multan Sultans have started their season on a high as they have won all their four matches. Sultans captain Mohammad Rizwan reckons it is imperative for the team to gel together and he is trying to get the best out of his players.
Rizwan said in the post-match presentation, “We just try to work hard and the most important thing is for the team to gel well, which the coach and the management are doing. Fielding placements are things that help you in crunch matches. I believe when the team is together, everything goes well for them”.
Multan Sultans will look to continue their good show while Islamabad United will aim to make a solid comeback.
