Hosein, Rutherford combine to keep Gladiators unbeaten
THE WEST Indies pair of Akeal Hosein and Sherfane Rutherford played key roles as Quetta Gladiators got the better of Islamabad United by three wickets to remain unbeaten in the Pakistan Super League here yesterday.
Playing at Gaddafi Stadium, Hosein claimed two for 32 from four overs of left-arm spin, his spell helping to limit Islamabad to a modest 138 for nine off their 20 overs after being sent in.
Agha Salman top-scored with 33 from 23 balls in a 40-run, second-wicket stand with opener Colin Munro (20) before four wickets tumbled for 18 runs to leave the innings tottering on 87 for five in the 12th over, Hosein triggering the decline.
There was no recovery, however, leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed (3-18) and seamer Mohammed Wasom (3-20) snatching three wickets apiece to keep their side in command.
In reply, English opener Jason Roy top-scored with an 18-ball 37, while captain Rilee Rossouw struck 34 from 38 balls and Rutherford, 29 off 23 balls as Gladiators got over the line with 10 balls to spare.
Roy put on 32 for the second wicket with Khawaja Nafay (9), but a clatter of wickets saw the run chase decline to 54 for four in the eighth over.
However, Rutherford joined Rossouw in a critical 62-run fifth-wicket stand to put the chase back on track, the left-hander punching a four and a couple of sixes before perishing at the end of the 16th over.
Rossouw remained firm, counting three fours all told to see his side over the line.
With the win, Gladiators remained unbeaten in three matches while the loss for Islamabad was their second in three outings.