Minhas and Shadab Power Islamabad United to Comfortable Win
Islamabad United cruised to an eight-wicket win over Quetta Gladiators in PSL 2026, powered by a dominant partnership between Sameer Minhas and Shadab Khan. Sameer Minhas’ innings, combined with Shadab’s all-round performance, ensured United chased down 184 with ease.
United finished on 189 for 2, completing the chase with authority after being briefly under pressure earlier in the innings.
Minhas and Shadab dominate chase
Chasing 184, Islamabad United were tested early when Abrar Ahmed dismissed Devon Conway and Andries Gous in quick succession. At 86 for 2 after 11 overs, the required rate was climbing towards 11 per over.
However, the match turned decisively in the 12th over when Tom Curran was taken apart for 22 runs. That over shifted momentum firmly in United’s favour.
Minhas and Shadab then took full control, adding an unbeaten 128-run partnership off just 68 balls. Minhas remained unbeaten on 82, while Shadab finished on 69 not out.
Minhas had been fluent from the outset, driving the scoring in the powerplay, while Shadab accelerated later, particularly targeting Usman Tariq’s spin.
A dropped catch proved costly for Quetta, with Tariq failing to hold onto a return chance when Shadab was on 9. The pair ensured there would be no further opportunities, sealing the win with a six from Minhas over square leg.
Shadab shines with the ball
Earlier in the match, Shadab Khan played a key role with the ball, delivering one of his most effective spells in recent times. He finished with figures of 3 for 23, removing key batters and disrupting Quetta’s momentum.
Imad Wasim provided early control, conceding just 16 runs in his first three overs and dismissing Khawaja Nafay. Shadab then produced a standout over, clean bowling Ben McDermott with a turning delivery before removing Bevon Jacobs for a golden duck.
Gladiators recover late through Nawaz
Quetta Gladiators struggled to build momentum early in their innings, taking time to get going and failing to capitalise consistently through the middle overs.
Hasan Nawaz provided late impetus with an unbeaten 66 off 36 balls, leading a strong finish alongside Tom Curran. The pair added significant runs in the final five overs, contributing to a late surge of 74 runs.
Nawaz also struck Imad Wasim for 21 runs in his final over, lifting Quetta to a competitive total of 183 for 5.
Despite the late acceleration, Quetta’s slow start left them with too much to do. The inability to maintain momentum throughout the innings meant their total fell short against a well-paced chase.
What this means
Islamabad United’s victory highlights their strength in both batting depth and all-round performance, with Shadab Khan contributing significantly in both departments.
For Quetta Gladiators, the result underscores the importance of building consistent momentum across the innings, as late surges alone may not be enough in high-scoring matches.
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