McCullum happy with Lahore’s fighting win
sharjah — Baz is yet to do the talking with the bat in his first foray in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) but Brendon McCullum’s team, the Lahore Qalandars, have benefited from his talk and his man management skills.
The former New Zealand captain has inspired his men to three wins from six matches, the latest being another thrilling one-wicket victory over the defending champions Islamabad United at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
The Lahore Qalandars were in a bit of a hole but their attitude to not give up took them through on the night. Umar Akmal ignited them with a 66 before McCullum’s compatriot Grant Elloitt finished it off in stellar fashion with a six.
After a slow-burning start, the Lahore Qalandars are on six points, the same as Islamabad United, but placed second because of a better run rate.
It was a truly commendable performance considering the shellacking they had received at the hands of Quetta Gladiators’ Kevin Pietersen, the other night.
And McCullum was chuffed to come through on the right side of the result this time around.
“It was a brilliant game to be part of, just like the other day when we scored 200. This time we came out the right side,” said McCullum.
And McCullum heaped praise on Umar Akmal and Grant Elliott, who saw them through.
“(Umar) Akmal is a huge player for us. He’s a good strong leader in the field as well. (Grant) Elliott is another key player, he showed us why he’s world class,” he said.
Baz also have credit to Islamabad United for the fight that the put up despite mustering a low total.
Meanwhile, his opposite number Misbah-ul-Haq felt that perhaps they were 20-25 runs light. Islamabad United had managed to get to 145 thanks to the youngster Shadab Khan, who stroked a fine 42. “We lost early wickets. I felt it was a 160-170 wicket. The bowlers fought well, but (Umar) Akmal played really well. He just took the game away from us. This is how cricket is. We’ll take the positives.”
james@khaleejtimes.com