RAWALPINDI: Rilee Rossouw and Hasan Nawaz produced explosive centuries to propel Quetta Gladiators to the highest-ever total in Pakistan Super League (PSL) history, during the 26th match of the ongoing 10th edition against reigning champions Islamabad United at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
United’s stand-in skipper, Salman Ali Agha, opted to field first—a decision that backfired as the Gladiators amassed a mammoth 263/3 in their 20 overs, thanks to a monumental 134-run stand between centurions Rossouw and Nawaz.
The table-toppers had a shaky start to their chase. Openers Saud Shakeel and Finn Allen managed just 24 runs before Allen was run out in the third over after scoring five.
Mohammad Shahzad has arrived! #HBLPSLX I #ApnaXHai I #IUvQG pic.twitter.com/FntMQos9i3
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) May 7, 2025
Shakeel then stitched together a brisk 36-run partnership with Rossouw before falling to Naseem Shah in the final over of the powerplay. The captain contributed 23 off 18 balls, including three boundaries.
Explosive partnership
After his dismissal, Rossouw and Nawaz combined to take charge, forging a commanding 134-run partnership for the second wicket.
Amir, you beauty 😱
BIG blow for United as Sahibzada departs in the first over. #HBLPSLX I #ApnaXHai I #IUvQG pic.twitter.com/22jz7ZbHah— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) May 7, 2025
Rossouw was the primary aggressor in the stand, eventually falling to Imad Wasim in the 16th over as the Gladiators approached the 200-run mark. The South African top-scored with a blistering 104 off just 46 deliveries, featuring 20 boundaries and six maximums.
Nawaz, meanwhile, batted through to the end, scoring an unbeaten 100 from 45 balls, including nine fours and four sixes.
The in-form middle-order batter also shared a vital 69-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Mark Chapman, who remained not out on 13 off eight balls.
For Islamabad United, only Imad Wasim and Naseem Shah managed to claim a wicket each.
