Rilee Rossouw’s determined 34, supported by a collective bowling performance, propelled Quetta Gladiators to a tight three-wicket win against Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) 9th season’s eighth match.
Islamabad United, opting to bat first, managed to post 138/9 in their 20 overs despite possessing a formidable batting lineup.
The match began dynamically as Alex Hales of United launched two consecutive sixes against Akeal Hosein in the third over. However, Hosein made a swift comeback, claiming Hales’ wicket immediately afterwards.
Hales contributed a quick 21 off nine balls, including a boundary.
Salman Ali Agha and Colin Munro formed a stabilizing 40-run stand in response to the early loss. The pair seemed to be gaining momentum until Abrar Ahmed eliminated Munro in the eighth over, with the score at 69.
Munro’s effort yielded 20 runs from 22 balls, featuring a boundary and a six. His departure led to a significant middle-order collapse, leaving United at 87/5 by the 11.3 over, with Agha also returning to the pavilion.
Agha emerged as United’s leading run-scorer, amassing 33 off 23 deliveries, including five boundaries.
Imad Wasim and Jordan Cox faced adversity and attempted to revive the innings with a cautious sixth-wicket stand but faced challenges against the Gladiators’ formidable bowling. Their partnership added 18 runs before Abrar accounted for Imad’s wicket in the 16th over, with Imad scoring nine off 15 balls.
Cox was dismissed in the 18th over, contributing 20 runs from 14 balls.
For the Gladiators, Abrar and Mohammad Wasim Jr. each took three wickets, while Hosein secured two, showcasing a dominant bowling display.
