Twitter Reactions: Luke Ronchi and Asif Ali triumph in the final amidst sensational collapse

Islamabad United have won the third edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as they defeated Peshawar Zalmi by three wickets. The National Stadium in Karachi hosted the title clash and the atmosphere in the middle was absolutely electric. Though the things got a little twitchy in the end, United kept their nerves to set the celebrations rolling in their camp. However, Zalmi fans were left heartbroken who were supporting Darren Sammy and his team with the fullest.

Sammy won the toss and opted to bat first in the night of final in order to put the pressure on their opponents in the chase. But their gun batsman Kamran Akmal was dismissed was sent back by Samit Patel as even Mohammad Hafeez was snaffled by the same bowler. Meanwhile, Andre Fletcher played some shots and kept the runrate up. However, the real push to the score came from Liam Dawson and Chris Jordan who was promoted up the order.

But their wicket triggered the collapse as Zalmi were left reeling at 121/9 in the 18th over. But Wahab Riaz slammed 28 off just 14 deliveries to power his team to 148 runs for the loss of 9 wickets.

Amazing run chase

Islamabad United got off to a sensational start as Luke Ronchi did what he does normally. He took the attack to the opposition and scored 52 off just 26 balls. Even his partner smashed 44 runs as the duo added 96 runs in 9 overs and brought the victory well within their sights. But the drama was yet to unfold as United slumped dramatically from 96/0 to 116/6 in no time. It was much like a brainfade from the batsman who were hitting the ball in the air only to bring their opposition back in the game.

Asif Ali though had other ideas in the end who smashed Hasan Ali for three back-to-back sixes to end the contest in the 16th over of the innings. Faheem Ashraf finished the game with a six fittingly off Riaz to spark off the celebration in their dressing room. It was a heartbreak for Sammy and his team but they fought gamely throughout the game.

Twitterati was thrilled to watch the game and they were happy as the cricket returned successfully to Pakistan in the form of PSL.

Here’s how they reacted:

And in the end WE WON, PAKISTAN WON & PAKISTANIS WON. ❤❤❤@IsbUnited @PeshawarZalmi @thePSLt20 #PSLFinalinKarachi #PSL2018final

— Zainab (@Zainab_ZZJ) March 25, 2018

ASIF WE DESERVE! #PSL2018Final pic.twitter.com/MO0tXihYY4

— T-BONE (@adilalich) March 25, 2018

I don’t know what I’m gonna do with my life after this match. Going to miss PSL so muchhh ? #PSLFinalinKarachi #PSL2018Final

— Sohny Saeed (Sono) (@sono_saeed) March 25, 2018

Kakmal ka Ye catch drop k Mickey Arthur b like Ab sukoon hogaya? Isi liye panoti brothers ko national team me nai rakhte.#PSLFinalinKarachi #PSL2018Final #PZvIU

— Izna Najam (@IznaNajam) March 25, 2018

Kamran Akmal forgot to eat his chooran ?#PSLFinalinKarachi #Psl2018Final #PZvIU

— Izna Najam (@IznaNajam) March 25, 2018

The true happiness is not seeing Islamabad win, it’s seeing the teams united, the cities united! The whole country is the winner. PAKISTAN ?? #PSL2018

— $am ? (@UsamaAdil) March 25, 2018

It was not our day champion, Never mind Love u Love Zalmi and congrats @IsbUnited #PSLFinalinKarachi #PSL2018 #PZvIU #PZvsIU pic.twitter.com/H9c8QYIepP

— Hassan Ali | Zalmi (@Hassanfans32) March 25, 2018

Amazing display of fireworks in Karachi stadium. PAKISTAN WINS!! #PSL2018 pic.twitter.com/EqqrI4YFmJ

— Amaad Somro (@amaadsoomro) March 25, 2018

https://twitter.com/wsimahmood/status/977981046875676673

Well played Islamabad United Clearly the best team of #PSL2018 Best bowler Best Batsman Best team selection Best Strategy #PZvsIU #PSLFinal

— Darvesh Zuberi (@RNZub) March 25, 2018

Congratulations @IsbUnited .You guys played like true champs.Better luck next time @PeshawarZalmi.
This was a win for all the #Pakistan,thanks to all the international cricketers for coming to Pakistan and @TheRealPCB for bringing cricket home.#Psl #shoaibakhtar #PCB

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) March 25, 2018

Fantastic game! congratulations to @isbunited – @ronchi04 played a special knock and @76shadabkhan contributed well. Hard luck Zalmi – you fought well.

— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11) March 25, 2018

Congratulations @IsbUnited on winning 3rd @thePSLt20 tough luck @PeshawarZalmi but its pakistan who won tonight actually

— sohail tanveer (@sohailmalik614) March 25, 2018

Congratulations @IsbUnited
Credit goes to @TheRealPCB and the people of Pakistan for showing the world that Pakistan is a safe country and love cricket dearly. Thanks to the overseas players for coming to Pakistan. Hopefully this will bring cricket back to Pakistan. #PSLinpak

— Junaid khan 83 (@JunaidkhanREAL) March 25, 2018