It was a match between a top-tier PSL team and, to be honest, a PSL washed-up. Since winning their sole trophy in 2019, Quetta Gladiators have been the league’s worst team. They suffered their 23rd loss in 35 games against a scorching Islamabad United team on Saturday.
Azam Khan showed off his insane power-hitting prowess by slamming 97 runs in 42 balls to assist United post 220 runs, the best total in the PSL this year.
The Gladiators were no match for United’s spin spinners, who claimed four of the top six wickets as the chase fell short and gave United a 63-run victory.
For the second time in their history, United chose to bat first, but it quickly became clear that they had made a mistake.
Rassie van der Dussen and Rahmanullah Gurbaz were crushed by Mohammad Hasnain as he continued his brief purple streak. In the Powerplay, United struggled to 39-2, and it took them eight overs to reach 50.
Azam, on the other hand, had only recently arrived and would soon form a ruthless alliance with Asif Ali. The pair added 98 runs in 7.3 overs while primarily dealing sixes over a period of time rather than merely boundaries. Gladiators were in confusion as they saw classic United trample on what had been a promising start as 15 sixes soared out of the ground in the final 12 overs.
In spite of Asif’s excellent support role, Azam was the star of the show. He proved in this innings why he is regarded as one of Pakistan’s top power hitters.
A magnificent series of play saw Hasnain, Naseem Shah, and Aimal Khan all defeated in quick succession overs, generating 83 runs in just just five overs.
Azam’s pick-up sweep off Hasnain for a 102-meter six over cow corner may wind up being the shot of the competition since it captured both his natural grace and ferocity.
The Gladiators were exhausted by this point. Even to Azam being tricked out of the century he so rightfully deserved by an Odean Smith slower ball off the final ball of the innings, United had already gotten to 220.
The top three were important to the Gladiators’ pursuit, and they needed remarkable performances from Martin Guptill, Jason Roy, and the returning Will Smeed.
But before the chase even began, United put an end to their dreams when Abrar Ahmed broke past both Englishmen’s defences and Fazalhaq Farooqi took care of Guptill. Realistic Gladiators expectations, as well as the trio, vanished in 3.1 overs.
With a delightful 69-run partnership, Mohammad Hafeez and Sarfaraz Ahmed turned back the hands of time, but they were only postponing what would eventually happen. Iftikhar Ahmed was also capable of landing a few lusty blows as the Gladiators attempted to save their already struggling net run rate.
But once Shadab Khan eliminated Mohammad Nawaz and Sarfaraz in a single blow, the end came soon. In 4.1 overs, the Gladiators lost their final six wickets, with Hasan Ali contributing another couple.
Even though the PSL season is still halfway through, Gladiators have lost their first three games and it’s getting increasingly difficult to see any other outcome for the team that was once the most reliable in the league.