PSL X: Quetta Gladiators Storm into Final After Crushing Defending Champions Islamabad United
In a thrilling first qualifier of the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Quetta Gladiators secured a spot in the final by defeating defending champions Islamabad United at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Batting first after winning the toss, Quetta posted a formidable total of 209 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Their innings was anchored by explosive knocks from Faheem Ashraf and Dinesh Chandimal in the death overs. Faheem remained unbeaten on 45 off just 23 balls, including 3 sixes and 4 fours, while Chandimal scored a quickfire 49 off 29 balls with a similar boundary count.
Earlier, Quetta’s top order faltered, with skipper Saud Shakeel scoring just 12, Rilee Rossouw managing 16, and Hassan Nawaz falling for 6. However, Finn Allen’s 41 and Avishka Fernando’s 32 provided some stability before the late assault.
For Islamabad United, Ben Dwarshuis and Salman Irshad took two wickets each, while Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan chipped in with one apiece.
Chasing 210, Islamabad struggled to build partnerships. Except for opener Sahibzada Farhan, no batter could hold firm at the crease. The entire team collapsed for 179 in the final over, handing Quetta a 30-run victory.
This marks the fourth time Quetta Gladiators have reached the PSL final — their last appearance being in 2019.
Before the match, Quetta captain Saud Shakeel expressed confidence in his team’s strategy to play good cricket and secure a win. Islamabad’s Shadab Khan mentioned two changes in their lineup, bringing in Jimmy Neesham and Naseem Shah.
With this win, Quetta advances directly to the final, while Islamabad will get another shot by facing the winner of the Eliminator between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings, set to be played tomorrow.
