Islamabad United Crumbled as Gladiators Set a Mighty Target in PSL 10

News Desk

Islamabad: Quetta Gladiators to a commanding 109-run victory over Islamabad United in the 26th match of the tenth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Wednesday.

Quetta posted a massive total of 263/5 after opting to bat first. Despite an early setback where they lost two wickets for 60 runs, Rossouw and Nawaz turned the tide with a blistering 134-run partnership, laying the foundation for their enormous total.

In response, Islamabad United faltered in their chase of the daunting target, being bowled out for just 154 in 20 overs. Only Imad Wasim (56), Ben Dwarshuis (31), and Mohammad Shahzad (24) showed any resistance with the bat. The rest of the lineup crumbled, with Sahibzada Farhan (1), Kyle Mayers (0), Salman Ali Agha (6), Mohammad Nawaz (10), Azam Khan (6), Haider Ali (6), and Jason Holder (3) all failing to make an impact. Naseem Shah remained unbeaten on 5.

Mohammad Amir led the Gladiators’ bowling charge with three wickets, while Mohammad Wasim (2–28) and Abrar Ahmed (2–17) claimed two wickets each. Khurram Shahzad (1–41) and Faheem Ashraf (1–40) also contributed with one wicket each.

For United, Imad Wasim (1–42) and Naseem Shah (1–55) were the only wicket-takers, with Ben Dwarshuis (0–59), Jason Holder (0–52), Salman Ali Agha (0–21), and Mohammad Nawaz (0–21) going wicketless.

In the pre-match toss, Islamabad United’s acting captain Salman Ali Agha chose to bowl first, expressing confidence in the team’s strong home record in Rawalpindi.

Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel (c), Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Amir, Mark Chapman, Rilee Rossouw, Kusal Mendis (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Faheem Ashraf, Khurram Shahzad, Fin Allen.

Islamabad United: Kyle Mayers, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha (c), Haider Ali, Azam Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Jason Holder, Ben Dwarshuis, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Shahzad, Naseem Shah