PSL 10 Final
Quetta Gladiators secured a commanding 30-run victory over Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 Qualifier, earning their place in the tournament’s final for the first time in six years. The final is scheduled for May 25.
Despite the loss, Islamabad United remain in contention and will face the winner of Eliminator 1—between traditional rivals Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings—on Thursday for another shot at the title.
Batting first after winning the toss, Quetta Gladiators posted a formidable total of 209 for 6 in their 20 overs. Their innings got off to a rocky start as captain Saud Shakeel was dismissed in the second over with just 14 runs on the board.
However, Finn Allen and Rilee Rossouw steadied the innings with a 44-run stand for the second wicket. Rossouw played a brief but impactful knock, scoring 16 off just eight balls before falling to Ben Dwarshuis, who was United’s standout bowler.
After the quick dismissals of Rossouw and Hasan Nawaz, who made only six, the Gladiators were in a vulnerable position at 57 for 3. Allen continued to build momentum with a solid 41 off 27 balls, including seven boundaries, and later shared a 43-run partnership with Fabian Allen.
The middle order provided crucial contributions, but it was the explosive sixth-wicket stand between Dinesh Chandimal and Faheem Ashraf that turned the game decisively in Quetta’s favour. The pair added 95 runs off just 49 balls, lifting their side past the 200-run mark. Chandimal remained unbeaten on 48 from 28 deliveries, while Ashraf contributed a quickfire 45 off 23 balls.
In response, Islamabad United struggled to chase the challenging target. They were bowled out for 179 in 19.4 overs. Their innings began poorly, with star batter Alex Hales dismissed for a duck in the second over.
Rassie van der Dussen and Sahibzada Farhan attempted to rebuild the innings with a 71-run partnership for the second wicket. Van der Dussen managed 35 off 23 balls, while Farhan top-scored with 52 from 35 deliveries. However, once the pair fell, Islamabad’s middle order crumbled under pressure.
Usman Tariq emerged as the match-winner with the ball, claiming three wickets for 32 runs, including two crucial scalps in the 18th over that derailed United’s chase.
Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Wasim Jr also made significant contributions, taking two wickets each. Faheem Ashraf and Abrar Ahmed chipped in with one wicket apiece as the Gladiators’ bowling unit collectively sealed the match.
With this win, Quetta Gladiators have booked their place in the PSL 10 final, while Islamabad United must now regroup and prepare for a do-or-die clash in the upcoming Eliminator.
