LAHORE, Pakistan: Quetta Gladiators pulled off a nail-biting two-wicket victory over Islamabad United in the 23rd match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10, held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
Chasing a target of 158, Quetta Gladiators reached 159 for 8 with just one ball to spare, thanks to a match-winning six by Hasan Nawaz in the final over.
Nawaz held his nerve to guide Quetta Gladiators home in a tense finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Earlier, Islamabad United were asked to bat first and posted 157 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs.
The defending champions got off to a strong start as openers Sahibzada Farhan and Kyle Mayers put on a brisk 58-run stand.
Mayers was the first to fall, bowled by Abrar Ahmed for 22 off 17 deliveries, which included three fours and a six.
Islamabad United then lost quick wickets. Faheem Ashraf struck twice in one over, removing Colin Munro for nine and stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha for a duck.
Saud Shakeel then dismissed the well-set Farhan, who top-scored for United with a fiery 39 off 24 balls, featuring two boundaries and four sixes.
With Islamabad United reeling at 77 for 4, Mohammad Nawaz and Andries Gous attempted to rebuild but Faheem returned to dismiss both, leaving the team at 91 for 6 in 13 overs.
Nawaz later partnered with Haider Ali to add a steady 39-run stand for the seventh wicket. Haider contributed 10 off eight balls before falling to Khurram Shahzad.
Mohammad Nawaz remained the top scorer for United with a resilient 49 off 34 balls, hitting one four and five sixes.
He was eventually dismissed by Kyle Jamieson in the final over. Jason Holder chipped in with an unbeaten 14 off 11 deliveries, helping Islamabad United reach a competitive total.
In reply, Quetta Gladiators lost wickets at regular intervals but managed to stay in the game.
Islamabad United’s Faheem Ashraf led the bowling attack with an impressive 4 for 25 in three overs.
Kyle Jamieson took two wickets, while Khurram Shahzad, Abrar Ahmed, and Saud Shakeel picked up one each.
With the match going down to the wire, Hasan Nawaz emerged as the hero, sealing the win with a six off the penultimate delivery of the match.
Quetta Gladiators’ chase ended at 159 for 8 in 19.5 overs, keeping their playoff hopes alive with a dramatic win.
Quetta Gladiators Playing XI
Saud Shakeel (c), Abrar Ahmed, Hassan Nawaz, Haseebullah Khan (wk), Mark Chapman, Rilee Rossouw, Kyle Jamieson, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Faheem Ashraf, Khurram Shahzad and Finn Allen.
Islamabad United Playing XI
Kyle Mayers, Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Salman Ali Agha (c), Andries Gous (wk), Haider Ali, Jason Holder, Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Shahzad, Naseem Shah and Salman Irshad.
