Watson blasts 79 in Pakistan T20 league

Shane Watson has shown why he was picked up for $1.98 million in the recent Indian Premier League auction by hitting a blistering 79 off 47 balls in the Pakistan Super League overnight.

The all-rounder struck seven sixes as he helped his side Islamabad United chase down the Lahore Qalandars’ 166 with more than four overs to spare.

Opening partner Sharjeel Khan (79 not out) also hit seven maximums as he and Watson put on 153 for the first wicket, the biggest partnership of the tournament so far.

Despite losing Watson, who was standing in as captain for the injured Misbah-ul-Haq, and Sydney Thunder teammate Andre Russell in quick succession, Islamabad chased down Lahore’s 166 with eight wickets in hand.

Watch: Russell puts Watson onto roof in pre-BBL training

Playing his first match of the tournament, former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin came to the crease following Russell’s dismissal but didn’t face a ball.

Earlier, Lahore looked to be struggling at 4-89 in the 13^th over before Melbourne Renegades allrounder Dwayne Bravo (26 off 17) and Mohammad Rizwan (50 off 27) came together to help them post a competitive 166.

Veterans Mohammad Sami (2-21 off 3 overs) and Saeed Ajmal (1-26 off 4) were the pick of the bowlers for Islamabad, while Watson went wicketless from his two overs (0-24).

But Watson and Khan’s destructive hitting meant the total was never an issue for United and Lahore may have been rueing the absence of West Indian opener Chris Gayle, who missed the game with the flu.

Islamabad play against the Peshawar Zalmi tomorrow morning, where Watson will face-off against Wahab Riaz for the second time in this tournament, following their encounter in the World Cup quarter-final last year.

Watch: The Watto-Riaz duel from the World Cup