Islamabad United first to make PSL final in Karachi

dubai — Luke Ronchi lit up the ‘Ring of Fire’ to book Islamabad United’s final date in Karachi, in the HBL Pakistan Super League on Sunday night.

The New Zealander whipped up an unbeaten 94 against the Karachi Kings in the Qualifier at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium to launch the inaugural champions into the final.

Ronchi made hay, after earning three reprieves, to make a mockery of the Karachi Kings total. Ronchi’s pyrotechnics, which was showered with 12 boundaries and five sixes from 39 balls, meant Islamabad United wrapped up the chase of 155 in 12.3 overs.

Such was his fury that Ronchi lowered his own benchmark of fastest 50s with this one coming from just 19 balls.

Ronchi holds the record for the three fastest 50s, with the other two coming in 22 and 23 deliveries against the Lahore Qalandars and the Karachi Kings.

Ronchi also perched himself on top of the top runs scorers with 378 runs from 10 fixtures. He would have a chance to swell that in Karachi with the Islamabad United awaiting to know who their opponents will be.

The Karachi Kings still have a chance to make the final as they will take on the winner of the Eliminator between Peshawar Zalmi and the Quetta Gladiators.

james@khaleejtimes.com

Brief scores:

Karachi Kings: 154 for 4 in 20 overs (Colin Ingram 68 not out, Joe Denly 51, Eoin Morgan 21; Mohammad Sami 2-20) lost to Islamabad United: 155 for 2 in 12.3 overs (Luke Ronchi 94 not out, Sahibzada Farhan 29).