In a high-stakes PSL Qualifier, Faheem Ashraf and Dinesh Chandimal unleashed a powerful late-overs assault to help Quetta Gladiators post a formidable total of 209 for 6 against defending champions Islamabad United in Lahore on Wednesday.
Early Setbacks for Gladiators
Quetta’s innings had a shaky start. Captain Saud Shakeel fell early, scoring just 12 runs off 8 balls. Ben Dwarshuis struck again soon after by removing Rilee Rossouw, ending a brief 44-run partnership with Finn Allen. Hasan Nawaz, one of this season’s standout young players, also departed cheaply for six.
Middle-Order Resistance
Finn Allen and Sri Lanka’s Avishka Fernando stabilized the innings with a crucial 43-run stand. Allen scored 41 while Fernando added 32 before both were dismissed in quick succession. At 114 for 5, Islamabad looked set to restrict the Gladiators.
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Faheem and Chandimal Shift Momentum
The turning point came when Faheem Ashraf and Dinesh Chandimal joined forces. They launched a fierce counterattack, stitching together a 95-run partnership off just 48 deliveries. The duo punished Islamabad’s bowlers, with Naseem Shah particularly expensive—conceding 50 runs in four overs.
Chandimal remained unbeaten with a stylish 48 off 28 balls, striking 4 boundaries and 3 sixes. Faheem blasted 45 off 23, hitting 4 fours and 3 sixes, before falling to Salman Irshad in the 19th over.
Bowling Highlights
Ben Dwarshuis and Salman Irshad led United’s bowling attack with two wickets each. Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan picked up one apiece but couldn’t stop the late onslaught.
What’s at Stake
The winner of this match will secure a direct spot in the PSL final. The losing side, however, will get a second shot by facing the winner of the upcoming eliminator.
The electrifying first innings sets up a thrilling chase as Islamabad United looks to respond to the Gladiators’ big total.
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