Hasan Nawaz Steers Quetta Gladiators To Competitive Total Against Islamabad United

Quetta Gladiators set a fighting 184-run target for Islamabad United on Thursday, thanks to a career-defining knock by Hasan Nawaz. In the ninth match of PSL 11, the Gladiators recovered from a mid-inning collapse to post 183-5 in their allotted 20 overs under the lights in Lahore.

The innings began with fireworks as openers Saud Shakeel and Shamyl Hussain took advantage of the powerplay. The duo put on a 50-run opening stand in just five overs before Salman Irshad provided the breakthrough for United, dismissing Hussain for 21. Shakeel continued the assault, smashing three sixes in his 42-run cameo before falling to a sharp delivery from Shadab Khan.

The Mid-Inning Wobble

Islamabad United’s captain, Shadab Khan, briefly turned the tide in favor of the three-time champions. In a clinical spell of leg-spin, Shadab dismantled the Gladiators’ middle order, removing the dangerous Ben McDermott (3) and Bevon Jacobs for a first-ball duck in the same over.

With Quetta reeling at 93-5 in the 12th over, the momentum seemed to have shifted entirely. However, the United bowlers struggled to maintain the pressure as the dew began to settle on the outfield.

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Nawaz and Curran Lead the Recovery

The highlight of the evening was the unbeaten 90-run partnership between Hasan Nawaz and Tom Curran. Nawaz played the role of the aggressor, particularly targeting Imad Wasim in the 16th over where he looted 21 runs to shift the pressure back onto the bowling side.

Nawaz finished unbeaten on 64 off 35 balls*, including six fours and three massive sixes. Curran provided valuable support at the other end with a steady 29*, ensuring the Gladiators finished with a total that their mystery spinners, Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq, could defend.

Standings & Stakes

Shadab Khan was the pick of the bowlers for United, finishing with impressive figures of 3/23. As the chase begins, Islamabad United are searching for their first win of the season after a loss and a rain-shortened washout. For Quetta, a win here would solidify their position in the top half of the table as the Lahore leg of the tournament reaches its peak.

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