DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, CMC- Andre Russell’s three wicket haul and Dwayne Smith’s hostile half century fired Islamabad United to a six wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators in the finals of the inaugural Pakistan Super League here yesterday.
Smith struck 73 off 51 balls, 52 of which came from boundaries, to anchor an impressive run chase at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
“It was a good pitch and I said to myself just go there and back yourself,” said Smith, who was named the Man of the Match.
“ It’s a very good group and I feel at home with everyone, and from the time I came here I saw that and I knew this team was going to win the tournament”.
Smith’s fireworks came after his West Indies compatriot Russell led a bowling attack that restricted Gladiators to 174 for seven in 20 overs following half centuries from Ahmed Shehzad and Kumar Sangakkara.
Shehzad, who hit nine sixes, top scored with 64 before he was caught by Samuel Badree from a Mohammad Sami delivery while Russell removed Sangakkara for 55 which included seven sixes.
Russell, the main wicket taker for the champions, grabbed three wickets for 36 runs while Samuel Badree picked one for 38.
“Winning has been following me, I’ve won three in a row now – Big Bash, BPL and now PSL,” said Russell.
“Once you’re enjoying the game success is going to follow you. The only problem that I had, or a few others might have had, is the back-to-back games we had but we are athletes”.
During the chase, Smith was in ripping form after struggling to get the ball off the square during his 37-ball 19 in the third qualifier against Peshawar Zalmi.
He smashed fours off his second and third balls and followed with a brace of fours in the next over, off spinner Nathan McCullum.
The Barbadian opener put on a solid 85 run partnership for the second wicket with Brad Haddin, who was unbeaten on 61 off 39 balls.
