Summary No one loses in sports but all who play are the winners, the PM said in a statement.
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has congratulated Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on successful arrangement and execution of Pakistan Super League (PSL).
In his message, the Prime Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to all participating players and teams for enthusiastically playing throughout the tournament.
"PSL has provided an excellent opportunity of rejoicing to cricket lovers in the country rather the world over; apart from affording ample chances for young players to demonstrate their talent and learn from senior players. The government is supportive of all such healthy sporting initiatives which help in highlighting a positive image of Pakistan," stated the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister appreciated the role and efforts of Shahryar Ahmed Khan Chairman PCB, Najam Sethi and all those who played a role in successfully arranging the event, saying that no one loses in sports but all who play are the winners.
ISLAMABAD UNITED WIN FINAL
Andre Russell’s three wicket haul and Dwayne Smith’s hostile half century fired Islamabad United to a six wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators in the finals of the inaugural Pakistan Super League in Dubai.
Smith struck 73 off 51 balls, 52 of which came from boundaries, to anchor an impressive run chase at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
“It was a good pitch and I said to myself just go there and back yourself,” said Smith, who was named the Man of the Match.
“It’s a very good group and I feel at home with everyone, and from the time I came here I saw that and I knew this team was going to win the tournament”.
Smith’s fireworks came after his West Indies compatriot Russell led a bowling attack that restricted Gladiators to 174 for seven in 20 overs following half centuries from Ahmed Shehzad and Kumar Sangakkara.
Shehzad, who hit nine sixes, top scored with 64 before he was caught by Samuel Badree from a Mohammad Sami delivery while Russell removed Sangakkara for 55 which included seven sixes.
Russell, the main wicket taker for the champions, grabbed three wickets for 36 runs while Samuel Badree picked one for 38.
“Winning has been following me, I’ve won three in a row now – Big Bash, BPL and now PSL,” said Russell.
“Once you’re enjoying the game success is going to follow you. The only problem that I had, or a few others might have had, is the back-to-back games we had but we are athletes”.
During the chase, Smith was in ripping form after struggling to get the ball off the square during his 37-ball 19 in the third qualifier against Peshawar Zalmi.
He smashed fours off his second and third balls and followed with a brace of fours in the next over, off spinner Nathan McCullum.
The Barbadian opener put on a solid 85 run partnership for the second wicket with Brad Haddin, who was unbeaten on 61 off 39 balls.
