A superb all-round display by Shadab Khan and a career-defining unbeaten innings from Sameer Minhas powered Islamabad United to a commanding eight-wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators in their Pakistan Super League clash at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.Chasing a competitive target of 184, Islamabad United comfortably reached 185/2 in 18.2 overs, sealing the win with 10 balls to spare.
The victory lifted United to fourth place on the points table, narrowly behind Peshawar Zalmi on net run rate.The chase was anchored by a match-winning, unbeaten 128-run partnership between Shadab and Sameer after United were reduced to 61-2. Sameer played a standout knock, scoring an unbeaten 82 off 48 balls, including eight fours and three sixes, registering his maiden half-century in top-level cricket.Shadab provided excellent support with an unbeaten 69 off 39 deliveries, smashing five fours and four sixes.
The pair shifted momentum decisively in Islamabad’s favour, particularly during a 22-run over against Tom Curran, which proved to be the turning point in the chase.Earlier, Quetta Gladiators posted a competitive 183-5 after recovering from a middle-order slump. Having slipped from 71-2 to 93-5, Quetta were rescued by an unbroken 90-run partnership between Hasan Nawaz and Curran. Hasan top-scored with a composed innings, while Curran provided crucial late acceleration.
Quetta had started strongly, led by captain Saud Shakeel, who struck a fluent 42 off 26 balls, with support from Shamyl Hussain (21).Shadab also shone with the ball, claiming 3-23, including key middle-order wickets that halted Quetta’s progress. His outstanding all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
