Lahore, 23rd Match – Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10
The Gaddafi Stadium witnessed one of the most dramatic matches of PSL 10 as Quetta Gladiators defeated Islamabad United by 2 wickets, thanks to a match-winning knock from Hasan Nawaz, who held his nerve in a tense final over.
Faheem Ashraf Stars with the Ball as United Post 157/9
Put into bat first, Islamabad United posted a competitive total of 157/9 in their 20 overs. The team got off to a strong start, with openers Sahibzada Farhan (39 off 24) and Kyle Mayers (22 off 17) putting up a 58-run partnership within the first six overs.
However, once Abrar Ahmed dismissed Mayers, the Gladiators made a strong comeback, led by Faheem Ashraf’s outstanding bowling performance. Faheem ripped through the middle order, removing Colin Munro, Salman Ali Agha, Andries Gous, and Muhammad Shahzad, finishing with figures of 4/25 in 3 overs.
Despite a valiant 49-run innings from Mohammad Nawaz (34 balls, 1 four, 5 sixes), United couldn’t fully recover. Wickets at regular intervals, especially during the middle overs, restricted them to a below-par total on a decent batting surface.
Top Performers – Islamabad United (Batting)
- Mohammad Nawaz – 49 (34 balls, 5 sixes)
- Sahibzada Farhan – 39 (24 balls, 4 sixes, 2 fours)
Top Performers – Quetta Gladiators (Bowling)
- Faheem Ashraf – 4/25 (3 overs)
- Khurram Shahzad, Abrar Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Kyle Jamieson – 1 wicket each
Hasan Nawaz’s Heroics Seal the Chase for Gladiators
In response, Quetta Gladiators had a mixed start. Skipper Saud Shakeel and Finn Allen added 28 runs in just three overs before both were dismissed in quick succession. With pressure mounting, Rilee Rossouw and Hasan Nawaz formed a crucial 52-run partnership, stabilizing the innings.
A run-out ended Rossouw’s gritty knock of 27, sparking a middle-order collapse. Gladiators tumbled from 80/2 to 117/7 in a span of 6 overs. But the resilient Hasan Nawaz, who had already anchored one partnership, now found an able ally in Mohammad Wasim Jr. (16 off 11 balls).
Their 26-run stand brought Quetta back into contention.
Final Over Drama
With 15 needed off the last 6 balls, Hasan Nawaz was on strike. He benefitted from two dropped chances off the first two deliveries and then launched a six. With 7 required off 3 balls, he hit another six over deep square leg to finish the game in style on the second last delivery of the match.
Top Performers – Quetta Gladiators (Batting)
- Hasan Nawaz – 64* (41 balls, 4 sixes, 2 fours)
- Rilee Rossouw – 27 (24 balls, 4 fours)
- Mohammad Wasim Jr. – 16 (11 balls)
Top Performers – Islamabad United (Bowling)
- Naseem Shah – 2/26
- Salman Irshad – 2/27
- Mohammad Nawaz, Jason Holder, Salman Ali Agha – 1 wicket each
