Charles fails as Islamabad take PSL title

KARACHI, Pakistan (CMC):

West Indies white-ball star Johnson Charles suffered heartbreak yesterday when he failed to fire as his Multan Sultans crashed to a two-wicket defeat to Islamabad United in the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

In a last-ball finish at the National Stadium, Islamabad overtook their target of 160 when Hunain Shah (four not out) struck seamer Mohammad Ali behind square for four, with the scores tied.

The 35-year-old Charles had earlier managed only four as Sultans, choosing to bat first, posted a middling 159 for nine from their 20 overs.

He was fourth out in the 12th over, top-edging a slog-sweep to short fine leg off left-arm spinner Imad Wasim who triumphed with a spell of five for 23.

Sultans slumped to 14 for two at the end of the second over before Usman Khan, who top-scored with 57 from 40 balls with seven fours and a six, put on a critical 53 for the third wicket with captain and opener Mohammad Rizwan (23).

Usman added a further 29 for the fifth wicket with Khushdil Shah (11) and when Sultans lost five wickets for 13 runs, Iftikhar Ahmed (32 not out) single-handedly garnered 32 for the last wicket with Mohammad Ali.

Left-arm spinner Khushdil Shah (2-21) then struck twice to leave Islamabad’s run chase in peril at 55 for three at the start of the ninth over before opener Martin Guptill, who top-scored with 50 from 32 balls, put on 47 for the fourth wicket with Azam Khan (30).

When both fell in a slide which saw four wickets tumble for 27 runs, Imad (19 not out) and Naseem Shah (17) teamed up to put Islamabad within touching distance of victory.