Team Neemopani
In the 13th encounter in PSL8 at the National Bank Cricket Arena on Friday, Islamabad United defeated Quetta Gladiators by 63 runs after Gladiators failed to reach the 221-run mark.
United’s points rose from four to six following the win, putting them in second position behind Multan Sultan.
PSL 2023: Islamabad United defeat Quetta Gladiators.
United batted first and set a mammoth 221-run total before bowling Gladiators out for 157 in 19.1 overs courtesy to a brilliant bowling performance.
After losing early wickets, Gladiators struggled to respond to the large score.
Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez scored 48 runs off 26 balls to help the Gladiators recover.
Hafeez and captain Sarfaraz Ahmed had a 69-run fourth-wicket stand.
In the 11th over, Afghan pacer Fazalhaq dismissed the batter.
Sarfaraz, the Gladiators’ captain, fell to Shadab after scoring 41 off 26 balls.
Shadab again dismissed Mohammad Nawaz in the same over.
Iftikhar Ahmed struggled to lead. Right-handed batsman scored 39 runs off 27 balls before being out to Hasan Ali.
All-rounder Odean Smith, Mohammad Hasnain, and Naseem Shah were dismissed in five deliveries.
In-swinging Fazalhaq Farooqi bowled Martin Guptill. The Kiwi left for a golden duck.
Mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed caught Jason Roy (5) LBW in the second over (leg between wicket).
The spinner bowled Will Smeed on the first ball of his second over, reducing Gladiators to 23-3. The young English hitter scored 17 runs despite looking decent.
Fazalhaq and Hasan Ali took three wickets apiece for Islamabad, while Shadab and Abrab took two.
Azam Khan helped United set Gladiators a massive 221-run target.
Azam scored 97 runs in 42 balls with nine boundaries and eight maximums.
Islamabad United recovered as the Gladiators took early wickets with boundaries from Azam and Asif Ali.
Azam and Asif’s 98-run fifth-wicket stand off 45 balls got their team back in the game.
Asif scored 42 from 24 balls with a boundary and four maximums.
After Asif’s exit, Azam blasted boundaries and had a 51-run partnership with Faheem Ashraf (17) to assist his team achieve the large total.
After Colin Munro hit 38 runs off 22 balls, including four fours, Gladiators debutant Aimal Khan cleaned him up.
After Mohammad Hasnain struck twice, Odean Smith bowled United captain Shadab Khan after the all-rounder edged a powerful shot. 12 runs in 14 balls.
Hasnain bowled Rassie van der Dussen (1), who tried a flick shot against the pace.
Hasnain sent Rahmanullah Gurbaz (8) to the pavilion, reducing United to 13-1.
