- May 8, 2025
IU vs QG (Match – 26) – Highlights
In a spectacle of unparalleled dominance at Rawalpindi, Quetta Gladiators delivered a masterclass in power-hitting and disciplined bowling to dismantle Islamabad United by a colossal margin of 109 runs in the 26th match of the Pakistan Super League 2025. The Gladiators, fueled by the blistering brilliance of Rilee Rossouw and the audacious strokeplay of Hasan Nawaz, posted a monumental 263/3—the highest total of the season—leaving Islamabad floundering under pressure and crumbling for a modest 154 in 19.3 overs.
The carnage began early despite a slight hiccup, as Quetta lost Finn Allen and skipper Saud Shakeel within the powerplay. However, what followed was a sustained batting blitzkrieg orchestrated by Rossouw and Nawaz. Rossouw’s electrifying 104 off just 46 deliveries was a symphony of timing, placement, and brute force, punctuated with 14 boundaries and six colossal sixes. Complementing him with equal fervor was Hasan Nawaz, who produced a whirlwind unbeaten century—100 off 45 balls—with an eye-popping strike rate of 222.22. The duo’s third-wicket partnership not only resurrected the innings but launched it into overdrive, pummeling an increasingly hapless Islamabad bowling attack.
While Imad Wasim was the only bowler to claim a wicket with some semblance of control, conceding 42 in his four overs, others were mercilessly dismantled. Jason Holder, Naseem Shah, and Ben Dwarshuis were all victims of relentless aggression, with economy rates soaring well beyond 10. Even part-timers like Mohammad Nawaz and Muhammad Shahzad were not spared, reflecting the sheer authority with which Quetta batted.
Chasing an almost insurmountable target of 264, Islamabad United’s innings disintegrated from the outset. Mohammad Amir delivered a searing opening burst, removing both Kyle Mayers and Sahibzada Farhan within the first over. The top order collapsed like a house of cards, as wickets tumbled rapidly, with Islamabad floundering at 58/7 by the eighth over. Despite a valiant 56 from Imad Wasim, who attempted to inject some respectability into the innings, the effort proved inconsequential. Ben Dwarshuis’ enterprising 31 and a late cameo by Naseem Shah only delayed the inevitable.
Quetta’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Amir’s 3/6 in just two overs, displayed precision and tactical discipline. Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Wasim supported him admirably, sharing four wickets between them and choking Islamabad’s already gasping middle and lower order. Notably, even part-time skipper Saud Shakeel chipped in with a wicket, underlining Quetta’s collective supremacy.
This resounding victory not only enhances Quetta Gladiators’ net run rate but also serves as a psychological upper hand as the tournament approaches its critical phase. The combination of batting carnage and clinical bowling epitomized a near-perfect T20 performance. Rilee Rossouw, deservedly named Player of the Match, encapsulated the spirit of domination with a knock that will be etched in PSL folklore. Islamabad United, on the other hand, must swiftly regroup to address the glaring vulnerabilities exposed in both their batting temperament and bowling execution.
Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators Scoreboard
Quetta Gladiators – 263/3 (20.0)
Islamabad United – 154/10 (19.3)
Result – Quetta Gladiators won by 109 runs
Player of the match – Rilee Rossouw
Rilee Rossouw
IU vs QG Playing XIs
Islamabad United | Sahibzada Farhan, Kyle Mayers, Muhammad Shahzad, Salman Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Azam Khan, Haider Ali, Jason Holder, Imad Wasim, Ben Dwarshuis, Naseem Shah |
Quetta Gladiators | Saud Shakeel, Finn Allen, Rilee Rossouw, Hasan Nawaz, Mark Chapman, Kusal Mendis, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Wasim, Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shahzad |
Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.
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