Ahmed Shehzad and Fawad Ahmed starred as Quetta Gladiators secured a comfortable 43-run victory over Islamabad United in match 26 of Pakistan Super League (PSL) season four on Tuesday.

Chasing a huge total of 181, the defending champions were restricted to 137 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their 20 overs courtesy of brilliant bowling spell by Australia international Fawad Ahmed. The 37-year-old leg-spinner went through the top order of the United. 

Cameron Delport was the first batsman to fall in Ahmed's trap as he broke the 62-run opening stand. In the same over the leg-spinner sent Philip Salt (2) back to the hut.

Following Ahmed two-wicket over, Mohammad Nawaz joined the party as he removed dangerous Asif Ali, who went back to the dressing room without opening his account.

Meanwhile, Luke Ronchi continued his dominance against Gladiators' bowling attack. He scored 64 off just 43 deliveries with help of three maximums and seven boundaries. Fawad Ahmed once again provided the breakthrough to his side by removing former Kiwi wicketkeeper batsman. This was his third wicket in the game. 

After the departure of Ronchi, the defending champions continued to lose wickets at regular intervals and were bundled up for 137-9 in their 20 overs. 

Sohail Tanvir and Mohammad Hasnain claimed two wickets each for the Sarfaraz-led unit. 

Earlier, thanks to a clinical innings of 73 runs by Ahmed Shehzad, Gladiators posted a huge total of 180-9 on the scoreboard. The opener hit nine boundaries and a six in his knock. 

Umar Akmal and Railee Rossouw chipped in with 27-run and 23-run respectively. 

Faheem Ashraf was pick of the United bowling attack as he claimed four wickets in his three-over spell while Ahmed Butt bagged three wickets for 40 runs in his four overs. 

For his brilliant batting, Ahmed Shehzad was awarded player of the match.