Quetta Gladiators Stun Islamabad United Cricket enthusiasts were in for a thrilling experience at the historic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore as Quetta Gladiators registered a nerve-wracking two-wicket victory over Islamabad United in match 23 of the Pakistan Super League 2025. Full house, electric atmosphere, and a cliff-hanger finish—this match had everything.
Toss and Team Strategy
Quetta Gladiators, under Saud Shakeel, won the toss and opted to field first—a move based on taking advantage of the conducive evening for fast bowlers. Islamabad United, skippered by Salman Ali Agha in place of Shadab Khan, came out to bat with a powerful top order in the form of Kyle Mayers, Colin Munro, and Mohammad Nawaz.
Islamabad United’s Innings: Explosive Beginning, Mid-Innings Jitters
United began their innings strongly with Kyle Mayers and Sahibzada Farhan, who started confidently. Mayers, in his characteristic power-hitting, hammered an early boundary off Kyle Jamieson and a huge six off Faheem Ashraf. The opening pair set the platform strongly before Farhan was dismissed for 12, edging one behind Faheem.
Colin Munro joined Mayers and contributed a short but effective knock. Mohammad Wasim Jr., though, obtained the decisive breakthrough, sending Munro back for 18. Though Mayers scored a gritty half-century, Islamabad lost their key wickets at pivotal stages. Salman Ali Agha contributed a steady 32, while Mohammad Nawaz set the innings ablaze with a belligerent 49 from 34 balls.
Quetta bowlers remained calm in the death overs, with Faheem Ashraf being the best among them, ending with figures of 4 for 25. Islamabad United completed their innings at 157 for 9, leaving a challenging total on a batting-friendly pitch.
Quetta’s Chase: Hasan Nawaz Steals the Show
In reply, Quetta Gladiators started slowly with Finn Allen and Saud Shakeel. Naseem Shah struck early, sending back Allen for 20 with a spectacular delivery that crashed into the stumps. Middle overs witnessed Islamabad mounting pressure with tight spells from Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Irshad.
By the midpoint, Quetta were 84 for 4, with the run rate rising. That is when young Hasan Nawaz rose to the occasion. Playing with maturity beyond his age, Nawaz played sensibly, combining aggression with placement. A six off Nawaz’s own bowling turned the tide in Quetta’s direction, making the target a reality.
But wickets at regular intervals kept the game evenly poised. Mark Chapman and Haseebullah Khan got out cheaply, and at 130 for 7 in the last but one over, Quetta still required 15 runs from the last six balls.
Final Over Drama
With Mohammad Shehzad being entrusted with the last over, Islamabad seemed to be in command. But Hasan Nawaz had something else in store. In a stunning display of nerves and power-hitting, Nawaz struck two sixes and two doubles, courtesy of three dropped catches, to take the game away in style. His unbeaten 64 off 41 balls, adorned with 4 sixes and 2 boundaries, sealed a victory to remember for Quetta Gladiators one ball short of the final one.
Match Summary
Islamabad United: 157/9 (Kyle Mayers 62, Mohammad Nawaz 49 | Faheem Ashraf 4/25)
Quetta Gladiators: 159/8 (Hasan Nawaz 64*, Finn Allen 20 | Salman Irshad 2 wickets)
Result: Quetta Gladiators won by 2 wickets
Player of the Match: Hasan Nawaz
Playoff Implications and Looking Ahead
Quetta Gladiators Stun Islamabad United With this stunning win, Quetta Gladiators become the first team to qualify for the PSL 2025 playoffs. Islamabad United, however, will be left rueing their lost opportunities—particularly the dropped catches in the last over that came at a cost.
This game will be talked about for its exciting climax, exceptional individual performances, and the emergence of Hasan Nawaz as a pressure finisher. The PSL continues to produce high-intensity cricket, and fans will be waiting for what comes next in this action-packed season.
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