Hassan Raza 
Islamabad United delivered a commanding performance to secure an eight-wicket win over Quetta Gladiators in the 9th match of PSL 2026, thanks to a record-breaking partnership between Sameer Minhas and captain Shadab Khan. Their unbeaten 128-run stand off just 68 deliveries made light work of what could have been a tricky chase, propelling United to 189 for 2 in response to Quetta’s 183 for 5 at Lahore.
Match Summary
- Islamabad United: 189/2 (Minhas 82*, Shadab 69*, Abrar 2-29)
- Quetta Gladiators: 183/5 (Hasan Nawaz 66*, Shakeel 42, Shadab 3-23)
- Result: Islamabad United won by 8 wickets
Minhas and Shadab Take Charge in the Chase
The chase began shakily for United after Abrar Ahmed removed Devon Conway and Andries Gous in quick succession, leaving the batting side at a precarious 86 for 2 by the 11th over with the required rate climbing above 11 runs per over.
However, the 12th over proved a turning point. Tom Curran, struggling for form, conceded 22 runs as Minhas and Shadab unleashed a flurry of boundaries. This momentum shift not only relieved the pressure but also set the stage for a clinical finish. Minhas, who had set the tone early on, continued to play with flair, while Shadab accelerated magnificently, particularly against the enigmatic spin of Usman Tariq.
A pivotal moment came when Tariq dropped a straightforward return catch off Shadab when the United skipper was on just 9. From then on, the duo was relentless, pushing the Gladiators out of the contest. Minhas sealed the victory in style with a powerful hook for six, finishing unbeaten on 82 from 48 balls, while Shadab remained not out on 69.
Shadab’s All-Round Brilliance
Shadab Khan was equally influential with the ball, producing a vintage spell that saw him claim 3 wickets for just 23 runs in four overs. His clever variations dismantled the Gladiators’ middle order, including a stunning legspinner that uprooted Ben McDermott’s off stump and a flighted delivery that dismissed Bevon Jacobs for a first-ball duck.
Imad Wasim also played a crucial role early on, keeping the Quetta batters in check and removing Khawaja Nafay with disciplined bowling. Despite a late assault from Hasan Nawaz-who smashed an unbeaten 66 off 36 balls, including 21 runs in Imad’s final over-Quetta’s total never seemed quite enough on a batting-friendly surface.
Gladiators’ Efforts Fall Short
The Gladiators struggled to build momentum in the initial overs, only finding their rhythm late in the innings. Nawaz’s fireworks provided a glimmer of hope, as he and Curran added 74 runs in the final five overs. However, the early stumbles and lack of partnerships meant their total of 183 was always within reach for United’s in-form batting lineup.
Key Takeaways
- Minhas and Shadab’s unbeaten partnership was the highest of the match and proved decisive.
- Shadab Khan’s all-round display earned him the spotlight, contributing significantly with both bat and ball.
- Quetta Gladiators’ sluggish start ultimately cost them, despite a strong finish from Hasan Nawaz.
Islamabad United’s resounding victory underscores their growing confidence in PSL 2026, with Minhas emerging as a breakout star alongside the ever-reliable Shadab Khan. The Gladiators, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly if they hope to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
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