Islamabad United secured a commanding eight-wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators in the ninth match of the Pakistan Super League 11 at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday, powered by stellar performances from Sameer Minhas and skipper Shadab Khan.
Chasing a competitive target of 184, Islamabad United reached the total in the 19th over with two wickets down. The innings was anchored by Sameer Minhas, who remained unbeaten on 83 off 48 balls, hitting eight fours and three sixes, while Shadab Khan contributed a fluent 68 off 38 deliveries, including five fours and four sixes.
United made a strong start through openers Sameer Minhas and Devon Conway, who added 40 runs before Abrar Ahmed dismissed Conway for 18. Abrar struck again soon after, removing Andries Gous for two, reducing Islamabad to 61-2 in 6.5 overs.
Sameer and Shadab then rebuilt the innings with a crucial 50-run partnership, followed by a match-defining 100-run stand that took the game away from Quetta. Both batters brought up their half-centuries, with Sameer registering his maiden PSL fifty and Shadab his ninth in the league.
Earlier, Quetta Gladiators posted 183-5 in their 20 overs after opting to bat first. Openers Shamyl Hussain and Saud Shakeel provided a brisk start with a 50-run stand before Salman Irshad dismissed Shamyl for 21.
Saud Shakeel made a quick 42 off 26 balls but was removed by Shadab Khan, who led from the front with the ball as well. Imad Wasim accounted for Khawaja Nafay, while Shadab struck twice in one over to dismiss Ben McDermott and Bevon Jacobs, leaving Quetta struggling at 93-5.
A recovery effort came through Hassan Nawaz and Tom Curran, who stitched together a vital 50-run partnership. Nawaz remained unbeaten on 64 off 35 balls, registering his fifth PSL half-century, while Curran added 29.
Shadab Khan was the pick of the bowlers for Islamabad United, finishing with figures of 3-23, while Imad Wasim and Salman Irshad claimed one wicket each.