Islamabad United triumphed over Quetta Gladiators by 63 runs in the 13th match of the eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the National Bank Cricket Arena on Friday, after Gladiators failed to chase the mammoth target of 221 runs set for them.
After the victory, United’s points on the points table increased from four to six, securing their place at the second spot on the points table, after Multan Sultan.
Opting to bat first, United posted a massive 221-run target on the scoreboard before bowling out Gladiators for 157 in 19.1 overs, thanks to a great display by the bowlers.
In reply to the big total, Gladiators couldn’t find the momentum as they lost quick wickets.
Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez played a crucial innings as he helped the struggling Gladiators get back on their feet by scoring 48 runs off 26 balls.
With his innings, Hafeez stitched a 69-run partnership with skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed for the fourth wicket.
However, the batter fell to the Afghan pacer Fazalhaq in the 11th over.
The Gladiators next lost their skipper Sarfaraz, who scored 41 runs off 26 balls before falling to Shadab.
United’s skipper Shadab struck again in the same over and sent Mohammad Nawaz back to the pavilion.
Iftikhar Ahmed tried to take charge but he couldn’t really get going. The right-handed batter scored 39 runs off 27 balls before getting out to Hasan Ali.
All-rounder Odean Smith, Mohammad Hasnain, and Naseem Shah were sent back inside five deliveries.
Debutant Fazalhaq Farooqi cleaned up Martin Guptill with a brilliant in-swinging delivery. The New Zealander departed for a golden duck.
