Dinesh Chandimal’s Unbeaten 48 Guides Quetta Gladiators to PSL X Final After 30-Run Win Over Islamabad United
Lahore, May 21: Quetta Gladiators secured their place in the final of the tenth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL X) with a thrilling 30-run victory over Islamabad United at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
Quetta Gladiators’ Innings
Opting to bat first, Quetta posted a formidable total of 209-6 thanks to a collective batting effort led by Dinesh Chandimal’s unbeaten 48 off 29 balls, alongside crucial contributions from Faheem Ashraf (45 off 23) and Finn Allen (41 off 27).
The Gladiators got off to a flying start in the powerplay, smashing 70 runs despite losing three wickets early on. Saud Shakeel (12), Rilee Rossouw (16), and Hasan Nawaz (6) fell in quick succession, but the experienced Chandimal and the aggressive Ashraf steadied the innings. Finn Allen’s explosive hitting, which included seven boundaries, gave the Gladiators the momentum before he was dismissed by Imad Wasim.
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Later, Avishka Fernando (32 off 21 balls) added valuable runs but was trapped by Islamabad captain Shadab Khan. Faheem Ashraf smashed Islamabad’s bowlers with authority until his dismissal on the penultimate ball of the innings.
Usman Tariq also played a key role, picking up vital wickets with his bowling.
Islamabad United’s Response
Chasing a target of 210, Islamabad United struggled to build partnerships and were eventually bowled out for 179 runs with two balls to spare.
The only notable resistance came from Sahibzada Farhan (52), Salman Ali Agha (44), and Rassie van der Dussen (35). The rest of the batting lineup faltered against disciplined Gladiators bowling.
Islamabad’s captain Shadab Khan was dismissed by a brilliant catch from Quetta captain Saud Shakeel off Abrar Ahmed’s bowling. Shortly after, Faheem Ashraf picked up wickets of James Neesham and Alex Hales in quick succession, leaving United reeling early in their chase.
For Quetta, Usman Tariq (3-32), Mohammad Amir (2-31), Faheem Ashraf (2-33), Mohammad Wasim (2-38), and Abrar Ahmed (1-27) shared the wickets, ensuring Islamabad never got close to the target.
Upcoming Fixture
The Eliminator 1 match will see Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings clash at the same venue tomorrow (May 22) for a chance to face Quetta Gladiators in the PSL X final.
Playing XI
Islamabad United: Sahibzada Farhan, Alex Hales, Rassie van der Dussen, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan (c), James Neesham, Ben Dwarshuis, Imad Wasim, +Ghazi Ghori, Salman Irshad, Naseem Shah
Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel (c), Finn Allen, Hasan Nawaz, +Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Rilee Rossouw, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Wasim, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed
