Rawalpindiz break drought, defeat Islamabad United to claim Golden Bail
By Nawaz Gohar ; Mohammad Rizwan produced a captain’s knock to guide Rawalpindiz to a landmark six-wicket victory over Islamabad United in the 34th match of HBL PSL 11 at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday, sealing a memorable Twin Cities Derby triumph and claiming the coveted Golden Bail.
Chasing a modest target of 138, Rawalpindiz reached 140 for four in 18.1 overs, ending a prolonged winless run and levelling the season’s derby scoreline at 1-1 in emphatic fashion.
The run chase got off to the worst possible start as Abdullah Fazal was dismissed off the very first delivery by Imad Wasim. However, Rizwan and Kamran Ghulam quickly absorbed the pressure, stitching together a match-defining 78-run partnership for the second wicket.
Rizwan, who top-scored with a composed 45 off 38 balls, blended caution with calculated aggression. During his innings, he also achieved a significant personal milestone, becoming only the third Pakistani batter to cross 9,000 runs in T20 cricket.
Kamran Ghulam complemented his skipper brilliantly, striking 42 off 30 balls with fluent strokeplay, including five boundaries and a six. The duo ensured the required rate remained well within reach, effectively taking the game away from Islamabad United. Their partnership was eventually broken by Chris Green, but by then the foundation had been firmly laid.
Islamabad United sensed a brief opportunity when Rizwan departed and Sam Billings was run out, reducing Rawalpindiz to 99 for four. However, Daryl Mitchell (32 not out off 25) and Dian Forrester (13 not out off 12) held their nerve, combining for an unbeaten 41-run stand to guide the team home with 11 balls to spare.
Forrester fittingly sealed the victory with a boundary, sparking celebrations as Rawalpindiz claimed their first win of the campaign.
Earlier, Islamabad United struggled to build sustained momentum after being put in to bat, eventually bowled out for 137 in their 20 overs.
The innings began shakily, with early wickets reducing them to 30 for three inside the powerplay. Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, and Saad Masood struck crucial blows to derail the top order.
A 49-run partnership between Devon Conway and Mark Chapman briefly steadied the innings. Conway top-scored with 40 off 33 balls, showcasing his class with a mix of sweeps and lofted strokes, while Chapman added a brisk 23.
However, the middle order failed to capitalise on the platform. Quick wickets in the middle overs left United reeling at 99 for seven, with Faheem Ashraf—who reached 1,000 PSL runs during his innings—falling at a critical juncture.
Chris Green provided late impetus with a quickfire 29 off 16 balls, but disciplined bowling at the death, particularly from Dian Forrester, who picked up two wickets in the final over, ensured United were restricted to a below-par total.
Rawalpindiz’s bowling unit delivered a collective performance, with Mohammad Amir (2-21) and Saad Masood (2-27) leading the charge, while Naseem Shah impressed on his return from injury. Forrester’s late strikes further tightened the grip, preventing Islamabad United from finishing strongly.
The victory carried added significance as Rawalpindiz claimed the Golden Bail—symbolic of derby supremacy—for the season. The win also disrupted Islamabad United’s campaign, leaving them under pressure to secure victories in their remaining league fixtures to maintain playoff hopes.
Rawalpindiz will look to build on this momentum when they face Hyderabad Kingsmen on April 26, while Islamabad United must regroup quickly ahead of their crucial upcoming matches.
Scores in Brief:
Rawalpindiz beat Islamabad United by 6 wickets
Islamabad United: 137 all out (20 overs)
(Devon Conway 40, Chris Green 29; Mohammad Amir 2-21, Saad Masood 2-27, Dian Forrester 2-9)
Rawalpindiz: 140/4 (18.1 overs)
(Mohammad Rizwan 45, Kamran Ghulam 42, Daryl Mitchell 32* )
Player of the Match: Mohammad Rizwan.
