Islamabad United have been dealt a big blow just before their Qualifier 2 clash in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, as star English batter Alex Hales has left the squad due to personal commitments.
The veteran opener confirmed his departure on Instagram, sending his best wishes to the franchise and thanking United for the opportunity to be part of their campaign once again.
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Sources indicate that Alex Hales, who has played for Islamabad United for much of his PSL career, had initially joined the squad for only two matches this season.
Despite the short stint, he certainly left his mark, especially in his first outing, where he lit up the Gaddafi Stadium with a whirlwind 88 off just 35 balls against Karachi Kings on May 19.
His blistering knock, laced with six fours and eight massive sixes at a staggering strike rate of 251.42, helped Islamabad post a mammoth 251/5.
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However, fortunes changed quickly. In the Qualifier 1 against Quetta Gladiators, Alex Hales was dismissed for a second-ball duck, and Islamabad eventually fell short in the 210-run chase, getting bowled out for 179.
With that loss, the defending champions missed their first shot at the final and will now play the winner of the Eliminator between Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars in Qualifier 2, set for May 23 at the Gaddafi Stadium.
READ: Lahore Qalandars another boost ahead of PSL 10 Eliminator against Karachi Kings