ISLAMABAD: Islamabad United secured an eight-wicket win over Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League on Thursday, as Sameer Minhas and Shadab Khan struck unbeaten half-centuries in a decisive run chase.
Chasing 184, Islamabad were 86 for 2 after 11 overs before Minhas and Shadab combined for an unbroken 128-run partnership that sealed the result. The stand shifted momentum firmly in Islamabad’s favour and ensured a comfortable finish with wickets in hand.
Minhas-Shadab stand turns the game
The turning point came in the 12th over when Tom Curran conceded 22 runs, allowing Islamabad to bring down the required rate. From there, Minhas and Shadab maintained control, balancing calculated aggression with stability.
Minhas, part of Pakistan’s Under-19 setup, played with attacking intent, while Shadab anchored the innings before accelerating. Islamabad completed the chase without further loss, with Minhas hitting the winning six.
Shadab was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance, having earlier taken 3 for 23 to restrict Quetta’s progress.
Quetta post 183 after late surge
Earlier, Quetta Gladiators posted 183 after being sent in to bat, with Hasan Nawaz scoring an unbeaten 66 off 36 balls. Quetta added 74 runs in the final five overs to lift their total.
Despite the late acceleration, Islamabad’s bowlers kept the scoring in check during the middle overs, with Imad Wasim playing a key role.
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Quetta made early breakthroughs in the chase, as Abrar Ahmed dismissed Devon Conway and Andries Gous to leave Islamabad under pressure. However, the Minhas-Shadab partnership stabilised the innings and gradually shifted pressure back onto Quetta.
Islamabad United eventually completed the chase comfortably, led by their captain’s all-round contribution and Minhas’s composed innings.
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