Watson's blitz sets up Quetta's seven-wicket victory over Islamabad

DUBAI: Shane Watson and Umar Akmal played a marvellous knock to comfortably take Quetta Gladiators home in 158-run target against Islamabad United in the first fixture of the day at the Dubai International Stadium.

Samit Patel, Rumman Raees and Cameroon Delport took one wicket each. Gladiators remained dominated in their chase throughout theirbatting innings.

37-year old Watson looked in complete control from the very firstminute on the pitch till leaving the field after scoring 81 off55 balls.

Umar Akmal's persistent form in back-to-back matches must have given a thought to ponder over to the selectors months before thecoming World Cup.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Shehzad after a golden duck against Peshawar Zalmi, managed to score only two runs. His depleted performance must be a source of concern for the Sarfraz-led team.

Sohail Tanvir starred for Quetta in the first innings after picking up four wickets including the all-important wicket of Luke Ronchi who went back to the pavilionafter being caught first ball. Tanvir next sent Shadab Khan packing after taking a sharp catch off his own bowling.

This was followed by Mohammad Nawaz trapping Rizwan Hussain for three, leaving United reeling at eight-3 at the end of five overs.

Fawad Ahmed added to United's misery by taking the wicket of Cameron Delport (19) who was caught brilliantly by Tanvir, Hussain Talat (30) and Faheem Ashraf (1) to leave United six down.

Just as Asif Ali stabilisedthe innings for United, he was caught in the deep end by Nawaz for 36.

Wayne Parnell's blistering 41 of 20 came to an end after helpingIslamabad to reach a competitive total of 157.