The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2018 season was one of the most exciting and closely contested editions of the tournament. Six teams battled it out over the course of a month, with each match offering its own set of thrills and spills. In the end, it was the Islamabad United who emerged as the PSL 2018 winner, capping off a memorable campaign with a comprehensive victory in the final.
The Islamabad United came into the tournament as one of the favorites, boasting a talented squad that was well-balanced across all departments. Led by experienced skipper Misbah-ul-Haq, the team was full of big names such as Luke Ronchi, Faheem Ashraf, and Mohammad Sami, who all played crucial roles in their success throughout the season.
The Islamabad United got off to a strong start in the tournament, winning their first two matches before suffering a minor hiccup with a loss to the Quetta Gladiators. However, they quickly bounced back with a convincing win over the Lahore Qalandars and never looked back. They went on to win seven of their ten matches in the league stage, finishing at the top of the points table and securing their spot in the playoffs.
In the first qualifier, the Islamabad United faced off against the Karachi Kings, who had finished fourth in the league stage. The United put on a dominant performance, chasing down a target of 155 with ease and booking their spot in the final. Meanwhile, the Kings had to fight their way through the eliminator and the second qualifier to set up a rematch with the United in the final.
The final was a tense affair, with both teams trading blows throughout the match. The United posted a competitive total of 154, thanks in large part to a brilliant knock from Luke Ronchi, who scored 52 off just 26 balls. In reply, the Kings got off to a strong start, with opener Khurram Manzoor scoring a quickfire 44. However, once he was dismissed, the Kings' batting lineup collapsed, and they were eventually bowled out for just 126.
The Islamabad United had done it. They were crowned the PSL 2018 winner, and the celebrations began in earnest. Misbah-ul-Haq lifted the trophy aloft, as the team and their fans reveled in their triumph.
Overall, it was a fantastic tournament for the Islamabad United. They played some scintillating cricket throughout the season, and their victory was well-deserved. The PSL 2018 winner will go down in history as one of the most dominant teams in the tournament's history, and their performance will serve as an inspiration to future generations of cricketers.