In an exciting contest during the 9th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at Lahore, Islamabad United delivered a commanding performance to defeat Quetta Gladiators by 8 wickets, chasing down a competitive target with ease.
Quetta Gladiators Post a Strong Total
Batting first, Quetta Gladiators made an aggressive start, scoring 60 runs in the powerplay with just one wicket down. Openers Saud Shakeel and Shamyl Hussain stitched together a solid 50-run partnership in just 26 balls, setting the tone early despite a failed review that saw Hussain depart.
The innings progressed steadily, with Quetta reaching 100 runs in 13.1 overs. However, middle-order wickets slowed the momentum. A crucial late surge came from Hasan Nawaz, who played a brilliant knock of 66 runs off just 28 balls, smashing 4 fours and 3 sixes. Supported by Tom Curran (29), the duo added a valuable 50-run stand for the sixth wicket.
Quetta Gladiators finished with a strong total of 183/5 in 20 overs, giving their bowlers something to defend.
Islamabad United Dominate the Chase
In response, Islamabad United started confidently, scoring 58 runs in the powerplay. Despite an early wicket, the innings was anchored by a match-winning partnership between Sameer Minhas and captain Shadab Khan.
Minhas played a composed innings, scoring 54 off 32 balls, while Shadab Khan led from the front with a superb unbeaten 69 off 39 balls, including 4 fours and 3 sixes. The duo built a crucial 100-run partnership for the third wicket, dismantling the Gladiators’ bowling attack.
Islamabad United reached 150 in just 15.4 overs and comfortably chased down the target, finishing at 189/2 in 18.2 overs, sealing victory with 10 balls to spare.
Player of the Match
Shadab Khan was named Player of the Match for his all-round brilliance, contributing an unbeaten 69 runs and taking 3 wickets for 23 runs.