Quetta Gladiators crushed defending champions Islamabad United by 30 runs, securing a place in the final during the first qualifier of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday.
Chasing a challenging target of 210 set by Quetta, Islamabad United could only muster 179 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 19.4 overs, falling 30 runs short of the target.
Despite a fighting half-century from Sahibzada Farhan (52), and notable contributions from Salman Ali Agha (44) and Rassie van der Dussen (35), United fell short under pressure.
Islamabad’s top order struggled to keep pace with the required run rate.
United's opener Alex Hales was dismissed for a duck, while James Neesham (1), Imad Wasim (5), and Naseem Shah (0) failed to provide resistance.
Quetta’s bowling attack was led by Usman Tariq, who claimed three crucial wickets, while Faheem Ashraf bagged two. Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed, and Mohammad Wasim Jr. picked up a wicket apiece.
Earlier, Gladiators posted a commanding total of 209 for 6 against Islamabad United, playing first in the match.
Dinesh Chandimal played a pivotal role with a brisk 48 that included four boundaries and three sixes.
Faheem Ashraf’s late onslaught yielded 45 runs off just 22 balls.
Finn Allen contributed 41 before falling to Imad Wasim, while skipper Saud Shakeel (12) and Rilee Rossouw (16) added modest scores.
Islamabad United’s bowling was led by Ben Dwarshuis and Salman Irshad, who took two wickets each, while Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan grabbed one wicket apiece.
Earlier, Gladiators' captain Saud Shakeel won the toss and opted to bat first, a decision that paid off as his side put scoreboard pressure on the opposition.
With this win, Quetta Gladiators have advanced to the PSL 10 final.
Islamabad United, having finished second in the league stage with six victories, will get another chance to reach the final via the second eliminator match.
Playing XIs
Scores: Abdul Shakeel | Comms: Abdul Shakeel
Quetta Gladiators: *Saud Shakeel, Finn Allen, Hasan Nawaz, +Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Rilee Rossouw, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Wasim, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed.
Islamabad United: Sahibzada Farhan, Alex Hales, Rassie van der Dussen, Salman Agha, *Shadan Khan, James Neesham, Ben Dwarshuis, Imad Wasim, Ghazi Ghori, Salman Irshad, Naseem Shah.