Islamabad United sailed into the final of the third edition of the Pakistan Super League after a crushing eight-wicket win over Karachi Kings in the first Qualifier in Dubai on Sunday.

Opener Luke Ronchi hit an unbeaten 94 off just 39 deliveries as Islamabad chased down a tricky target of 155 in just 12.3 overs – the biggest win in PSL in terms of balls remaining.

Islamabad move straight to the final in Karachi next Sunday. The Kings have another opportunity to make it to the final as they face the winner of the Eliminator between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators in Lahore.

Here we take a look at the talking points from Islamabad’s win on Sunday.

SAMI STRIKES EARLY

Islamabad’s 37-year-old fast bowler Mohammad Sami has been in top form this PSL. Bowling with pace and intent, he rattled Karachi by taking the scalps of Khurram Manzoor (6) and Babar Azam (0). His four overs went for just 20 runs and was easily the best fast bowler on display.

INGRAM USES THE LONG HANDLE

South African Colin Ingram batsman is known for his destructive power lower down the order. With Karachi struggling at 46-3 after 8.1 overs, Ingram took it upon himself to up the scoring rate. He hit six sixes and a solitary boundary in his 39-ball 68, adding 82 with Joe Denly (51). That gave Karachi bowlers something to bowl at.

RONCHI MAKES A MOCKERY OF THE TARGET

Karachi have two of the finest new ball bowlers in Mohammad Amir and Usman Khan. But tell that to opener Ronchi. He smashed every Karachi bowler to bits, hitting five sixes and 12 boundaries. He missed out on a well-deserved century after running out of runs to get.