Rossouw and Abrar Guides Quetta to Unbeaten Streak

Muhammad Waqas

Islamabad United:138/9 (20) | A Salman 33(23), Faheem 20(14) | Abrar 3/18, Wasim jr. 3/20 

Quetta Gladiators: 139/7 (18.2) | J Roy 37(18), Rossouw 34(38) | Shadab 2/24, Naseem 2/34 

Quetta Gladiators solidified their position alongside Multan Sultans with an unbeaten record in the 9^th edition. They won three consecutive games for the first time in the last four years.

Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Quetta Gladiators faced an early onslaught from Alex Hales, who blazed his way to 21 runs off just 9 balls before being dismissed by Akeal Hosein on the last ball of the third over. Colin Munro and Salman Agha built a promising partnership by adding 40 runs in 26 balls for the second wicket. Despite this, Quetta’s bowlers struck back to put Islamabad United on the back foot. Abrar Ahmed removed Munro, Mohammad Husnain took Shadab khan, while Akeal Hosein got rid of Azam khan triggering a massive collapse for United.

Despites late efforts by Jordan Cox (19 off 21) and Faheem who scored 20 runs of 14 balls, Islamabad United could only muster 138/9 in 20 overs.

In response, Quetta Gladiators stumbled early with the wicket loss of Suad Shakeel in the third over. However, Jason Roy provided fireworks with a blistering 37 off just 18 balls, giving Gladiators a strong start. Islamabad United fought back brilliantly, with Hunain Shah making his PSL debut dismissing Roy, followed by crucial wicket of Khawaja Nafay and Sarfaraz Ahmed by Rumman Raees and Shadab khan respectively. Quetta found themselves struggling at 54/4 after 7.1 overs.

Captain Rilee Rossouw and Sherfane Rutherford then steadied the ship with a composed 5^th-wicket partnership, adding 62 runs. However, Islamabad United once again struck back with three quick wickets towards the end, raising hopes of a dramatic turnaround. Naseem Shah’s brilliant delivery shattered Rutherford’s stumps, followed by a run-out dismissal of Akeal Hosein and a wicket of Mohammad Wasim jr. by Shadab. Quetta was still required to score 12 runs in 17 balls, with 3 wickets in hand.

However, Mohammad Amir took the charge by smashing one four to Shadab and two boundaries to Raees, sealing the victory for Quetta Gladiators with 10 balls to spare. Amir’s unbeaten 11 off 6, coupled with Rossouw’s steady innings of 34 not out of 38 balls, ensured a thrilling victory for the gladiators.

Turning Point:

On the last ball of the 11^th over, an LBW appeal against Rilee Rossouw by Agha Salman was given out by the on-filed umpire. However, upon review, it was revealed that the ball missed the stumps, sparking controversy and overturning the decision. This moment provided Rossouw with a reprieve, and he capitalized on it brilliantly.