SHARJAH: Skipper Sarfraz Ahmed’s 39-ball 51 lead Quetta Gladiators innings as they chase down a target of 117 runs set by Islamabad United on a batting-friendly Sharjah Cricket Stadium pitch on Thursday.

Gladiators easily chased down the target in 16.1 overs, with Sarfraz taking up the responsibility on his shoulders after United’s pace spearhead Andre Russell made inroads earlier in the innings by taking two wickets in quick succession.

It was Ahmed Shehzad’s 41 off 31 deliveries and a 59-run stand with Sarfraz for the third wicket that put things back into Gladiators’ control. Mohammad Nawaz came down to bat at number five and scored an unbeaten 14 off 21 to establish a match-winning 45-run stand for the fourth wicket with his skipper.

Russell remained the most successful bowler for Islamabad United by claiming three wickets. After dismissing Luke Wright (five) and Kevin Pietersen (zero) on consecutive deliveries during the third over, he returned to send Shehzad back to the hut in the 10th over.

But by the time Shehzad departed, pressure was already off the Gladiators and they were sailing smoothly towards the victory.

Earlier, Gladiators continued to take wickets in regular intervals to bowl out Islamabad United for a meager 117 in 19.1 overs. Last match’s star Sharjeel Khan failed to impress against Gladiator’s slow pace attack. He was dismissed for two by left-arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar.

Shane Watson, however, continued his impressive run and smashed a quick-fire 40 off 28 balls. His innings included three fours and three sixes, but he was dismissed by Aizaz Cheema.

New Zealand international Grant Elliott, who was playing his first match for Gladiators, also chipped in by taking three crucial wickets. After getting rid of United’s wicketkeeper batsman Brad Haddin and Sam Billings on consecutive deliveries, Elliott returned to dismiss Kamran Ghulam (nine).

Haddin was stumped by Gladiators skipper Sarfraz Ahmed on 15, whereas Billings was trapped leg before on two. Elliott’s bowling figures read 4-0-25-3 and he was declared the Man of the Match.

Gladiators skipper Sarfraz had won the toss and decided to bowl first. It was an all-round performance by Gladiators bowling attack with Babar and Cheema claiming two wickets each, while Anwar Ali, Mohammad Nabi and Mohammad Nabi took one wicket each.

Quetta Gladiators were boosted by Elliot’s arrival into the squad. Sarfraz made two changes with Elliot replacing Elton Chigumbura and Aizaz Cheema coming in for Umar Gul.

Islamabad United, on the other hand, brought in lanky fast-bowler Mohammad Irfan in place of Mohammad Sami.