PSL 10: Quetta Gladiators crush Islamabad United to strengthen top spot

Quetta Gladiators delivered a dominating performance to defeat defending champions Islamabad United by 109 runs in the 26th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Batting first, Quetta posted a massive total of 263 for 3 in their 20 overs — the highest of the season so far. Their innings was powered by brilliant centuries from Rilee Rossouw and Hasan Nawaz, who added a match-turning 134-run stand for the second wicket.

South African batter Rossouw smashed 104 off just 46 balls, hitting 20 boundaries including six sixes. Hasan Nawaz remained unbeaten on 100 off 45 balls, which included four fours and nine sixes. Their outstanding knocks helped Quetta recover from an early hiccup after losing opener Finn Allen for just five runs.

Captain Saud Shakeel also played a quick cameo of 23 runs, while Mark Chapman supported Nawaz with a steady 13 not out at the end.

In reply, Islamabad United’s chase never took off. They were bowled out for 154 in 19.3 overs, falling short by 109 runs. The top order collapsed early as Mohammad Amir struck twice in the very first over, removing both openers — Kyle Mayers and Sahibzada Farhan — cheaply.

Islamabad kept losing wickets at regular intervals and were reduced to 68 for 8 inside nine overs. Only Imad Wasim showed resistance, scoring 56 off 41 balls, with support from Ben Dwarshuis, who made 31.

Amir was the star with the ball for Quetta, taking 3 wickets for just 6 runs in 2 overs. He was well-supported by Mohammad Wasim Jr and Abrar Ahmed, who also took two wickets each. Faheem Ashraf, Khurram Shahzad, and Saud Shakeel picked up a wicket apiece.

Earlier, Islamabad’s stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha had won the toss and chosen to bowl first — a decision that backfired badly as Quetta’s batters took full control of the game.

With this win, Quetta Gladiators consolidated their position at the top of the PSL 10 points table, while Islamabad United suffered their fourth straight loss after starting the season with five consecutive victories.