In a thrilling encounter at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium, Quetta Gladiators clinched a dramatic two-wicket victory over Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10, securing their place in the tournament’s grand finale. The playoff clash, played on May 3, 2025, will be remembered for its nerve-wracking finish, missed opportunities in the field, and an unforgettable knock by the emerging star, Hassan Nawaz.
Islamabad United Post Competitive Total
Batting first after winning the toss, Islamabad United set a competitive target of 158 runs. The innings started cautiously, with openers struggling to find fluency against disciplined bowling from Quetta. Mohammad Nawaz played a stabilizing knock, scoring 49 off 36 balls, including three boundaries and two sixes, while Sahibzada Farhan contributed a handy 39 runs.
Despite getting decent starts, Islamabad's middle-order failed to capitalize fully on the momentum. Quetta’s bowlers, particularly Mohammad Amir and Abrar Ahmed, kept the scoring rate in check during the crucial middle overs. Eventually, Islamabad posted 157/7 in their allotted 20 overs — a defendable total, but not an imposing one.
Quetta’s Chase: A Tale of Grit and Nerves
Quetta’s chase got off to a shaky start, losing early wickets to the disciplined bowling of Faheem Ashraf, who proved to be Islamabad's standout performer with the ball. Ashraf picked up 4 wickets for just 25 runs, dismantling the top order and pushing Quetta onto the back foot.
However, it was young Hassan Nawaz who turned the tide for the Gladiators. Walking in under pressure, Nawaz displayed remarkable composure and shot selection. He scored an unbeaten 64 off 37 deliveries, featuring four towering sixes and two boundaries. What made the innings even more special was his ability to farm the strike during the last overs and keep Quetta in the hunt despite wickets tumbling at the other end.
Drama Unfolds in Final Over
With 10 runs needed off the final over, Islamabad had a golden chance to close out the match. But poor fielding — a theme that haunted them throughout the match — cost them dearly. Three catches were dropped in the last over alone, including one of Hassan Nawaz when he was on 59. These errors allowed Quetta to steal crucial runs.
On the penultimate ball of the match, Hassan Nawaz struck a six over long-on, sealing the win in spectacular fashion and sending the Quetta bench into wild celebrations. Islamabad’s players, in contrast, looked deflated, knowing they had let a golden opportunity slip through their fingers.
Key Takeaways
1. Hassan Nawaz – The Future Star
Hassan Nawaz’s match-winning performance was undoubtedly the highlight of the evening. Not only did he hold his nerve under extreme pressure, but he also showed maturity beyond his years. His ability to pace the innings and finish the game will surely boost his credentials as one of Pakistan’s brightest cricketing prospects.
2. Faheem Ashraf’s Brilliance in Vain
Despite his exceptional bowling performance, Faheem Ashraf found himself on the losing side. His early strikes gave Islamabad a real shot at victory, but the team’s fielding lapses overshadowed his contribution.
3. Islamabad’s Fielding Woes
Fielding proved to be Islamabad’s Achilles’ heel. Dropped catches, misfields, and missed run-out opportunities throughout the innings allowed Quetta to stay in the game. In a knockout match, such errors are often unforgivable, and Islamabad paid the price.
4. Quetta’s Resilience
Quetta Gladiators demonstrated remarkable resilience. Despite being under pressure during multiple phases of the game, they never lost belief. Their fighting spirit and ability to capitalize on the opponent’s mistakes reflect a team that’s mentally tough and battle-hardened.
Looking Ahead to the Final
With this win, Quetta Gladiators have now advanced to the final of PSL 10. They will be keen to carry this momentum forward and aim for their second PSL title. The team looks balanced, with a good mix of experience and youth, and the emergence of Hassan Nawaz has added further depth to their batting.
For Islamabad United, the campaign ends in disappointment. Despite being one of the most consistent teams in the group stages, their inability to handle pressure in the playoffs once again raises questions about their temperament in high-stakes matches.
Conclusion
Cricket fans witnessed one of the most memorable games in PSL history as Quetta Gladiators booked their place in the final with a nail-biting win over Islamabad United. The clash had all the ingredients of a classic — tension, drama, individual brilliance, and heartbreak. As the Gladiators march into the final, they do so not just as victors, but as a team that earned their place the hard way, proving that in T20 cricket, the game is never truly over until the last ball is bowled.
Reference: پی ایس ایل10:اسلام آباد یونائیٹڈ کو ہرا کر کوئٹہ گلیڈی ایٹرز فائنل میں پہنچ گئی
