Bangladesh’s leg-spinner Rishad Hossain faced a tough match for the Rawalpindi Pindiz as they suffered a seven-wicket loss against Islamabad United in a Pakistan Super League game at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium over the weekend. The Rawalpindi team, in their debut season, are still looking for their first win after three matches, sharing the bottom spot with Hyderabad Kingsmen in the points table. On the other hand, Islamabad United moved up to the second position with five points from four games, trailing behind the leading Karachi Kings who have accumulated six points from three matches.
Despite Kamran Ghulam’s half-century off 39 balls, Rawalpindi posted a modest total of 156 for seven after being put in to bat. Rishad, coming in at number eight to accelerate the scoring, struggled to make an impact, scoring just three runs off six deliveries. In the bowling department, Rishad had a challenging time in the second innings, conceding 36 runs and picking up one wicket as Islamabad swiftly chased down the target in 14.2 overs.
Rishad’s only breakthrough came in the 12th over when he dismissed Mohammad Faiq, who mistimed a shot and was caught by Daryl Mitchell. However, the over was costly as 19 runs were scored, including two boundaries and a six. Islamabad’s opener Sameer Minhas was named the Player of the Match for his aggressive innings of 70 runs off 36 balls, which included seven fours and four sixes.