In a nail-biting PSL 2025 thriller, Quetta Gladiators edged past Islamabad United by two wickets in a match full of drama, tension, and missed chances. Hasan Nawaz starred with an unbeaten 64, guiding his side to the top of the table in a chaotic final over where United dropped three crucial catches.
United Collapse After Strong Recovery
Batting first, United were held to 157 for 9 after Gladiators opted to bowl. Early wickets saw United slump to 91 for 6 by the 13th over. Faheem Ashraf shone with the ball, grabbing 4 for 25 and dismantling the middle order. However, Mohammad Nawaz revived Unitedās innings with a blazing 49 off 34 balls, smashing five sixes to post a fighting total.
Gladiators Start Strong, Then Slip
In response, Gladiators came out swinging. Finn Allen’s aggressive start lit up the powerplay, but his cameo lasted just 13 balls before Naseem Shah dismissed him. Saud Shakeel and Rilee Rossouw tried to steady the chase, but a run-out triggered panic.
A 52-run partnership between Hasan and Rossouw put Gladiators back on track, but Mark Chapmanās early exit reignited Unitedās hopes. As wickets kept falling, the match became a tense back-and-forth affair.
Read:Ā Babar, Sadaqat Shine as Zalmi Hand United Another Blow
Hasanās Calm Under Fire
Despite mounting pressure, Hasan Nawaz remained composed. He paced his innings beautifully, mixing smart strike rotation with calculated aggression. With Mohammad Wasim at the other end, he kept the chase alive into the final over.
That over, bowled by Muhammad Shahzad, was filled with blunders. Hasan was dropped twice on the first two balls. He then launched a six on the third and benefitted from another misfield as the keeper and fielder collided on a high catch.
Finally, on the fifth ball, Hasan sealed the win with a towering six over backward square, finishing with 64 off 41 balls.
Table Shake-Up
With this victory, Gladiators replaced United at the top of the table. While United had cruised through the first half of the tournament, this was their third consecutive defeat, raising questions as playoffs loom.
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