In a gripping encounter at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, the Quetta Gladiators edged out Islamabad United by 2 wickets in the 23rd match of the 2025 Pakistan Super League. The match went down to the wire, with the Gladiators securing victory with one ball to spare, chasing a target of 158 runs.
First Innings: Islamabad United Batting
After losing the toss and being put into bat first, Islamabad United posted a modest total of 157/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Their innings got off to a brisk start, thanks to Sahibzada Farhan, who top-scored with a fluent 39 off 24 balls, including 2 fours and 4 sixes. Kyle Mayers provided support with a quickfire 22 off 17, hitting 3 boundaries and a six.
However, a sudden middle-order collapse hampered United’s progress. The dismissal of Colin Munro (9), Salman Agha (0), and Andries Gous (8) within a span of 17 runs pegged them back. Faheem Ashraf played a pivotal role in this collapse, claiming 4 wickets for 25 runs in his 3-over spell, removing Munro, Agha, Gous, and Muhammad Shahzad (0).
The innings was rescued to some extent by Mohammad Nawaz, who struck 49 off 34 balls, including 5 sixes. He partnered well with Jason Holder, who remained unbeaten on 14 off 11. Despite a strong finish, Islamabad failed to breach the 160-run mark.
The pick of the bowlers for Quetta was Faheem Ashraf with his four-wicket haul. Khurram Shahzad, Abrar Ahmed, Kyle Jamieson, and Saud Shakeel chipped in with a wicket each.
Second Innings: Quetta Gladiators Chase
Chasing 158, the Gladiators had a roller-coaster ride. Their innings began on a shaky note as both openers — Saud Shakeel (7) and Finn Allen (20) — departed early. At 28/2 inside the 4th over, pressure began to mount. However, veteran Rilee Rossouw (27 off 24) and the young sensation Hasan Nawaz combined for a crucial 52-run partnership, stabilizing the innings.
Rossouw’s dismissal in the 10th over was followed by a flurry of wickets, as Chapman (2), Haseebullah Khan (7), and Faheem Ashraf (6) fell cheaply, putting the Gladiators in a precarious position at 112/6.
But it was Hasan Nawaz who stood tall amidst the chaos. His magnificent unbeaten 64 off 41 balls, laced with 2 fours and 4 towering sixes, anchored the chase and kept Quetta in the hunt. Even as wickets fell around him, Hasan maintained composure, rotating strike smartly and capitalizing on loose deliveries.
Some late resistance came from Mohammad Wasim, who scored a quick 16 off 11 before falling at 143/8. With just 15 runs needed from the final 12 balls, Hasan Nawaz showed immense maturity to guide his side home in the final over, finishing the match with just one ball to spare.
For Islamabad, Naseem Shah and Salman Irshad picked two wickets apiece, while Mohammad Nawaz, Jason Holder, and Salman Agha grabbed one each. Despite tight bowling spells, especially from Nawaz (1/20 in 4 overs), Islamabad couldn’t defend the total.
Key Performances
- Player of the Match: Hasan Nawaz – 64* off 41 balls
- Best Bowling (Islamabad): Faheem Ashraf – 4/25 (3 overs)
- Best Bowling (Quetta): Mohammad Nawaz – 1/20 (4 overs)
Conclusion
With this win, Quetta Gladiators bagged two crucial points, strengthening their position on the points table. Islamabad United, on the other hand, will rue their middle-order collapse and their inability to defend a decent total. The match was a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of T20 cricket, showcasing young talent, experienced hands, and edge-of-the-seat drama.
As the PSL 2025 progresses, both teams will look to refine their strategies — Islamabad to tighten their batting and finish stronger with the ball, while Quetta will hope for continued brilliance from emerging players like Hasan Nawaz.
