On May 21, 2025, Quetta Gladiators qualified for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 final after defeating Islamabad United by 30 runs in Qualifier 1 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The Gladiators’ dominant performance, powered by key contributions from Faheem Ashraf, Dinesh Chandimal, and Usman Tariq, secured their place in the championship match scheduled for May 25.
Electing to bat first, Quetta Gladiators posted 209/6 in 20 overs. Early setbacks saw captain Saud Shakeel dismissed cheaply, followed by Rilee Rossouw (16 off 8) and Hasan Nawaz (6). A 44-run stand between Finn Allen (41) and Rossouw steadied the innings, while Avishka Fernando (32) added a 43-run partnership with Allen. The turning point came with a 95-run sixth-wicket stand between Faheem Ashraf (45 off 23, 4 fours, 3 sixes) and Dinesh Chandimal (48* off 28, 4 fours, 3 sixes), propelling Quetta to a commanding total.
And that’s the match!
A dominant day from the Gladiators, with batters leading the charge, bowlers keeping it tight and fielders taking crucial catches. #HBLPSLX | #ApnaXHai | #QGvIU pic.twitter.com/OBNDq6lKXA
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) May 21, 2025Islamabad United’s Chase Falters
Chasing 210, Islamabad United struggled early, losing Alex Hales (0) in the second over. A 71-run partnership between Sahibzada Farhan (52 off 35, 4 fours, 2 sixes) and Rassie van der Dussen (35 off 23) offered hope, but van der Dussen’s dismissal in the ninth over sparked a collapse. Salman Agha’s 44 off 26 kept United in the fight, but Usman Tariq’s double strike removing Agha and Naseem Shah (0) in consecutive deliveries—shifted momentum. United crumbled to 179 in 19.4 overs, with Ghazi Ghori (4) and Salman Irshad (2) falling short. Tariq led with 3/32, while Mohammad Amir, Faheem Ashraf, and Mohammad Wasim Jr each took two wickets, and Abrar Ahmed claimed one.
Usman Tariq causing all the chaos in the middle. #HBLPSLX | #ApnaXHai | #QGvIU pic.twitter.com/bAH4hAthCJ
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) May 21, 2025Faheem Ashraf’s 45 runs and 2/33 all-round brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award. Chandimal’s unbeaten 48 and Tariq’s crucial wickets were pivotal in Quetta’s victory. Farhan’s half-century was a highlight for United, but a lack of support from the middle order proved costly.
The Qualifier 1 clash between table-toppers Quetta Gladiators and defending champions Islamabad United was a high-stakes encounter. Quetta, who topped the league with seven wins in ten matches, showcased their depth, while United now faces the Eliminator winner (Karachi Kings vs. Lahore Qalandars) in Qualifier 2. Historically, Quetta leads United 11-10 in 21 PSL meetings, adding intrigue to their rivalry. The PSL 10 season, briefly suspended for nine days due to regional tensions, resumed on May 17 after a ceasefire, with Lahore hosting the playoffs.
Quetta Gladiators advance to the PSL 10 final on May 25 at Gaddafi Stadium, aiming for their second title since 2019.
