In a thrilling qualifier match of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10, Quetta Gladiators powered their way to an imposing 209/6 against defending champions Islamabad United on Wednesday at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. A late blitz from Faheem Ashraf and Dinesh Chandimal turned the tide, setting up a high-stakes chase for a spot in the final.
Early Setbacks for Gladiators
The Gladiators’ innings got off to a shaky start when captain Saud Shakeel fell for 12 runs off 8 balls, caught behind off a sharp delivery from Ben Dwarshuis. The early setback brought Rilee Rossouw to the crease, who, alongside Finn Allen, unleashed a fiery 44-run stand in just 19 balls, pushing the score to 58. Rossouw’s aggressive strokeplay was cut short by Dwarshuis, who struck again to remove the dangerous batter.
Hasan Nawaz, a rising star known for his explosive batting this season, couldn’t replicate his magic, managing only 6 off 4 balls before departing. With three wickets down inside the powerplay, Quetta were under pressure.
Middle-Order Recovery
Finn Allen (41) and Avishka Fernando (32) steadied the innings with a composed 43-run partnership, rebuilding the momentum. Just as the Gladiators seemed to find their rhythm, both set batters fell in quick succession, leaving the side reeling at five down.
Faheem and Chandimal’s Explosive Finish
Enter Faheem Ashraf and Dinesh Chandimal, who launched a breathtaking counterattack. Their 95-run partnership off just 48 balls dismantled United’s bowling attack, with Naseem Shah bearing the brunt, leaking 50 runs in his four overs. Chandimal, unbeaten on 48 off 28 balls, peppered the boundary with 4 fours and 3 sixes, while Faheem’s 45 off 23 balls, laced with 4 fours and 3 sixes, ended in the penultimate over off Salman Irshad’s bowling. Their onslaught propelled Quetta to a formidable 209/6.
United’s Bowling Effort
For Islamabad United, Ben Dwarshuis (2 wickets) and Salman Irshad (2 wickets) led the bowling effort, with Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan claiming one scalp each. Despite their efforts, United’s bowlers struggled to contain the Gladiators’ late surge.
What’s Next?
The winner of this electrifying clash will secure a direct ticket to the HBL PSL X final, while the losing side will have a second chance in the eliminator later this week. With both teams boasting formidable line-ups—Quetta led by Saud Shakeel and featuring stars like Mohammad Amir and Abrar Ahmed, and United captained by Shadab Khan with firepower from Alex Hales and Naseem Shah—the stage is set for a gripping chase.
Teams:
- Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel (c), Finn Allen, Hasan Nawaz, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Avishka Fernando, Rilee Rossouw, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Wasim, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed.
- Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (c), Sahibzada Farhan, Alex Hales, Rassie van der Dussen, Salman Agha, James Neesham, Ben Dwarshuis, Imad Wasim, Ghazi Ghori (wk), Salman Irshad, Naseem Shah.
