Determined Shehzad takes Gladiators to PSL playoffs

Ahmed Shehzad scored a brisk knock of 73 off 46-balls.

Ahmed Shehzad's knock of 73 off 46-balls helped Quetta Gladiators beat Islamabad United by 43 runs and reach the playoffs of the Pakistan Super League.
Shehzad, who is returning after a ban, continued his fine run in the tournament and remains confident of making it to the national side.
"I have seen many ups and downs in my career. Life never stays still. During the time I was suspended for five months, I have made changes in myself, fitness and cricket," he said after the match.
Gladiators showed intent from the very start as Shehzad and Shane Watson spanked Shadab Khan for 21 runs in his opening over. However, Samit Patel put the brakes by nailing Watson (15). Faheem Ashraf then trapped Azam Khan (12) but Shehzad continued to flourish and with Rilee Rossouw took Gladiators past 100 in 12 overs. Shehzad brought up his fifty by slamming Zafar Gohar for a boundary but spinner managed to remove Rossouw (23) with score at 108 for 3 after 13 overs.
All Gladiators got off to a start and pushed scoring. Umar Akmal (27) and Shehzad scored 44 runs in next four overs as 150-mark was crossed. But Faheem-orchestrated collapse saw Gladiators lose five wickets for three runs. But Mohammad Nawaz finished the innings with 5-ball 15 to push score to 180 for 9.
In response, United went all guns blazing with 62-run opening partnership between Luke Ronchi and Cameron Delport. The duo creamed Nawaz, Sohail Tanvir, Mohammad Hasnain and Dwayne Bravo for boundaries as United reached 61 in eight overs. But Fawad Ahmed pinned down the fight with double strike of Delport (25) and Philip Salt. Nawaz joined the party by snaring Asif Ali as United stood 70 for three. Ronchi waged a lone fight, reached his fifty and took United past 100. But Fawad restricted further damage by removing Ronchi (64). It was then a no contest as United aimed to finish 20 overs and cut the losing margin to 43 runs.
United coach Waqar Younis hoped the team can win the next do-or-die match against Lahore Qalandars.
"We didn't do justice. But this is part and name of the game T20 - one day you are hot and other day cold. We will regroup and try to execute plans in a better way," he added as the campaign now moves to Pakistan.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com