Quetta Gladiators outlast Islamabad United

LAHORE: In an electrifying encounter of Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine, Quetta Gladiators emerged victorious against Islamabad United by three wickets.

The match saw the Gladiators chasing a target of 145 runs, facing a tough battle to secure the win. Led by skipper Rilee Rossouw’s resilient 34 not out, they managed to reach the target in the 19th over, with Mohammad Amir contributing a crucial unbeaten 11 runs.

This victory marks Quetta Gladiators’ third win of the season, placing them alongside Multan Sultans as one of the only two teams to boast a trio of victories in the tournament so far.

Kicking off the chase, Jason Roy set the stage ablaze with a scintillating knock, smashing 37 runs off just 18 deliveries at a staggering strike rate of 205.55. However, his partner Saud Shakeel fell early to Naseem Shah, while Khawaja Nafay contributed 9 runs before departing to Rumman Raees.

Amidst the stumbling start, skipper Rilee Rossouw exhibited remarkable resilience, steering the Gladiators’ innings with an unbeaten 34 off 38 balls, holding the fort steadily with a strike rate of 89.47.

Further hiccups followed as Sarfaraz Ahmed was dismissed lbw by Shadab Khan after contributing just 1 run, and Sherfane Rutherford’s promising 29 off 23 balls was cut short by Naseem Shah. Akeal Hosein faced an unfortunate run-out after a quickfire 8 off 2 balls, while Mohammad Wasim and Mohammad Amir chipped in to push the Gladiators to a total of 139/7 in 18.2 overs, maintaining a brisk run rate of 7.58.

Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan starred with the ball for Islamabad United, each claiming two crucial wickets, while Hunain and Rumman Raees secured one scalp apiece.

Earlier, United Kingdom’s formidable batting lineup struggled to pose a substantial total, managing 138/9 in their allotted 20 overs after being put in to bat.

Alex Hales provided a promising start, hammering two consecutive sixes before falling to Akeal Hosein. Salman Ali Agha and Colin Munro stitched a crucial partnership, but a collapse in the middle order saw the United stuttering at 87/5. Agha top-scored with 33, while Imad Wasim and Jordan Cox made valuable contributions before Gladiators’ bowlers, led by Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Wasim Jr., wrapped up the innings, restricting United to a below-par total.