Quetta Gladiators booked their place in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 final with a commanding 30-run victory over Islamabad United at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. It was a well-rounded performance from the league-topping Gladiators, led by key contributions from Dinesh Chandimal, Faheem Ashraf, and Usman Tariq.
Batting first, Quetta posted a strong total of 209-5, recovering from early setbacks thanks to a brilliant 95-run partnership off 40 balls between Chandimal and Faheem. Coming together when Quetta were struggling at 111-5, the pair resurrected the innings. Chandimal remained unbeaten on 49 from 29 balls, featuring four boundaries and three sixes, while Faheem struck 45 off just 23 deliveries with identical boundary stats.
The Gladiators made a fiery start in the powerplay, scoring 68 runs but also losing key wickets — including Saud Shakeel, Rilee Rossouw, and Hasan Nawaz. This shaky start forced a cautious approach from Avishka Fernando and Tim Allen. Their 28-run stand stabilized the innings briefly until Fernando unleashed an aggressive over against Imad Wasim in the 11th, followed by Allen’s dismissal after a quick 41 off 27 balls.
Shadab Khan’s leg-spin briefly threatened the momentum, dismissing Fernando for 32. But Chandimal shifted gears, smashing Shadab and Imad for boundaries and sixes. Faheem followed with brutal hits off Salman and Naseem Shah, ensuring Quetta crossed the 200-run mark with a flourish.
In response, Islamabad United faced pressure early on. Alex Hales was bowled by Faheem, and although Rassie van der Dussen tried to counter-attack with two sixes and boundaries off Wasim Jr, he was eventually undone by a deadly yorker.
Sahibzada Farhan’s brisk 50 from 33 balls kept hopes alive, but Usman Tariq’s tight spell turned the tide. He removed Farhan and later dismissed Salman Ali Agha in the 18th over, virtually sealing United’s fate. Captain Shadab Khan was dismissed after a sharp one-handed catch by his opposite number Saud Shakeel, while James Neesham was bamboozled by Faheem with a sharp outswinger.
United’s lower order collapsed under pressure. Amir’s bounce sent Imad Wasim packing, and Usman Tariq’s double strike in the 18th over broke the back of the chase. United ended their innings well short, setting up Quetta’s place in the final and pushing United to the second Eliminator.
The victory was a display of composure, balance, and impact from both bat and ball. Quetta’s bowlers backed up the batters excellently, with Usman’s three-wicket haul standing out, supported by effective spells from Faheem and Amir.
With this clinical win, Quetta Gladiators march into the PSL 2025 final with high confidence, while Islamabad United now face a must-win clash in the next eliminator for PSL final.
