LAHORE: The stakes are sky-high as table-toppers Quetta Gladiators take on defending champions Islamabad United in the first qualifier of HBL Pakistan Super League X at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
Quetta Gladiators have looked unstoppable this season. Under Saud Shakeel’s calm leadership, they topped the table with 15 points, registering seven wins and just two defeats, while one match was washed out. Their recent form has been nothing short of dominant—winning six of their last seven matches. They also beat United in both league-stage encounters, including a commanding 109-run victory in Rawalpindi after posting a record-equaling 263.
Islamabad United, however, are no strangers to high-pressure knockout games. The three-time champions (2016, 2018, 2024) started strong with five straight wins this season but lost momentum mid-tournament with four back-to-back defeats. Still, they bounced back in style by thrashing Karachi Kings by 79 runs in their final group match.
Saud Shakeel remains focused but cautious. “We’ve played good cricket to reach here, and now the priority is to minimize mistakes. There’s very little room for error in playoffs,” he said. The return of Rilee Rossouw has further bolstered Quetta’s already solid batting, which features emerging talents like Hasan Nawaz (317 runs), Khawaja Nafay, and experienced names like Finn Allen and Saud himself.
Gladiators’ bowling, led by mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed (15 wickets), looks lethal. With Faheem Ashraf, Khurram Shahzad, and Mohammad Amir forming a strong pace attack, they are a well-rounded unit heading into this crucial clash.
Islamabad United, led by Shadab Khan, will rely on their star-studded batting line-up. The in-form Sahibzada Farhan leads the PSL scoring charts with 394 runs, while Alex Hales made a blistering 88 on his return against Karachi. Rassie van der Dussen, Azam Khan, Imad Wasim, and Shadab provide further depth to the lineup.
Their bowling attack features experience and variety. Jason Holder leads the pace unit with 15 wickets, supported by Naseem Shah, Salman Irshad, and left-armer Ben Dwarshius. In the spin department, Shadab and Imad offer both control and breakthroughs.
Speaking after United’s last match, pacer Salman Irshad praised the relaxed and professional team environment. “There’s no pressure. The captain and coach made sure everyone got rest and chances. That’s helped us maintain our rhythm,” he said.
Salman also credited the impact of foreign players, noting Alex Hales and Van der Dussen’s influence as key contributors. “They bring balance to our team. We’ve got the combination we wanted before the playoffs.”
With both teams packed with match-winners and high momentum on their side, Wednesday’s showdown promises fireworks. The winner will directly qualify for the final, while the loser gets another shot via the second eliminator.
Team Squads (from):
Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel (c), Finn Allen, Rilee Rossouw, Hasan Nawaz, Khawaja Nafay, Faheem Ashraf, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Amir, Usman Tariq, Danish Aziz, Abrar Ahmed.
Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (c), Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha, Azam Khan, Haider Ali, Imad Wasim, Rassie van der Dussen, Naseem Shah, Jason Holder, Ben Dwarshius, Tymal Mills, Salman Irshad, Saad Masood.
