In a history-making clash at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Quetta Gladiators crushed Islamabad United by 109 runs in Match 26 of the HBL PSL X, powered by blistering centuries from Rilee Rossouw and Hasan Nawaz.
Quetta Sets New PSL Record with 263-3
The Gladiators posted a mammoth 263-3 in 20 overs, setting a new all-time high for the highest team total in Pakistan Super League history, eclipsing the Multan Sultans’ 262-3 set at the same venue in 2023.
Walking in at a precarious 60-2 in the sixth over, Rilee Rossouw and Hasan Nawaz launched a relentless assault on Islamabad’s bowling attack. The duo created history by becoming the first-ever pair to score centuries in the same PSL innings.
Rossouw, named Player of the Match, smashed his third PSL century, a ferocious 104 off just 46 deliveries, including 14 fours and 6 sixes. His 50 came off 26 balls, and he shared a 134-run partnership with Hasan Nawaz that turned the game on its head.
Hasan Nawaz Seals Century in Dramatic Finish
Hasan Nawaz remained unbeaten on 100 off 45 balls, hammering 4 fours and 9 sixes. The 22-year-old reached his second career T20 century with a boundary off the final ball of the innings, bowled by Ben Dwarshuis. His late fireworks included a 28-run over off Naseem Shah and a 69-run stand with Mark Chapman (13 off 8 balls), as Quetta ransacked 160 runs in the final 10 overs.
Mohammad Nawaz and Jason Holder bore the brunt of the assault, conceding 21 and 20 runs in consecutive overs during Quetta’s high-octane middle phase.
Islamabad United Crumble in Response
Islamabad United’s chase never took off as they collapsed to 68-8 inside nine overs. Mohammad Amir delivered a stunning opening burst, taking 3 wickets for just 6 runs. Support came from Abrar Ahmed (2-17) and Mohammad Wasim Jnr (2-28), who dismantled the middle order.
Despite the carnage, Imad Wasim (56 off 41 balls) and Ben Dwarshuis (31 off 24) stitched together a gritty 55-run stand for the ninth wicket to ensure Islamabad avoided the worst defeat margin in PSL history (120 runs). They were eventually bowled out for 154 in 19.3 overs.
Playoff Implications and What’s Next
With this dominant win, Quetta Gladiators boost their net run rate and confidence heading into the final stretch. Islamabad United, now with five wins from nine matches, face a do-or-die clash against Karachi Kings on Saturday to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Match Summary:
-
Quetta Gladiators 263-3 (20 overs): Rilee Rossouw 104 (46), Hasan Nawaz 100* (45), Saud Shakeel 23
-
Islamabad United 154 all out (19.3 overs): Imad Wasim 56, Ben Dwarshuis 31; Mohammad Amir 3-6, Abrar Ahmed 2-17
-
Result: Quetta Gladiators won by 109 runs
-
Player of the Match: Rilee Rossouw (Quetta Gladiators)
Mr Waseem Qadri Report from Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium for this match
