Islamabad United talisman Asif Ali was delighted after his all-around performance against Karachi Kings.

ISU won the thrilling contest by one run against Karachi Kings at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Monday in the 21st match of the ongoing Pakistan Super League.

Islamabad United posted a par score of 191 runs after Karachi Kings captain Babar Azam won the toss and decided to bowl first. In fact, all of the Islamabad United batters got off to decent starts but none of them could go on to cross the 40-run mark.

Asif Ali and Faheem Ashraf added the finishing touches for their team as they scored quickfire knocks. Ali smashed 11-ball 28 whereas Ashraf scored a fine cameo of 29 runs off just 10 balls.

On the other hand, Islamabad United suffered a huge blow as their captain Shadab Khan could not take the field due to injury and Asif Ali had to lead his team in his absence. Furthermore, Zeeshan Zameer had to leave the field after he dismissed Karachi Kings skipper Babar Azam with a peach of delivery after bowling only 1.3 overs. Thus, Islamabad United was short by two bowlers, which was going to make their task even more difficult in defending the total.

However, the stand-in captain Asif Ali stepped as he scalped two wickets and conceded 27 runs in the three overs he bowled. Ergo, it was an all-around performance from Asif Ali as he delivered with both bat as well as the ball.

Asif Ali was awarded the Player of the match for his fine performance against Karachi Kings.

He said in the post-match presentation, “Played according to my strengths. Last few games didn’t go to plan but grateful that the shots came off today. Didn’t have options after our two bowlers went off. Had confidence in Waqas. This one is dedicated to Shadab”.

This was the fourth win of the season for Islamabad United and they look all set to qualify for the playoff stages if they continue the same form. ISU will next face Peshawar Zalmi on Thursday at the same venue.