Quetta Gladiators storm into PSL final with all-round display

Dubai: Quetta Gladiators booked their rightful place in the Pakistan Super League final with a 30-run win over Islamabad United in Qualifier 1 in Lahore on Wednesday. The table-toppers extended their impressive form, with Finn Allen, Dinesh Chandimal and Faheem Ashraf all making key contributions to propel Gladiators to 209 for six in 20 overs.

Chandimal and Ashraf combined for a dominant partnership, adding 95 runs in just eight overs to give Gladiators the winning edge. Chandimal remained unbeaten on 48 off 28 balls, while Ashraf smashed 45 from 23 deliveries — both striking three sixes and four fours.

After the early loss of Alex Hales, Islamabad United bounced back with a 71-run stand between Sahibzada Farhan and Rassie van der Dussen. But the ever-climbing run rate and the dismissal of Salman Agha after a brisk cameo halted their progress.

Mohammad Amir and Faheem Ashraf picked up two wickets each, but it was offspinner Usman Tariq who made the telling impact with a game-changing three-wicket spell that guided Gladiators into the final.

In a separate development, Qalandars have been boosted by the return of Rishad Hossain, joining fellow Bangladeshi spinners Shakib Al Hasan — who has featured in one game — and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who recently arrived in the UAE.

Rishad has played five matches this season, taking nine wickets at an average of 16.44. However, he struggled during the UAE series, managing just three wickets at a high cost.

Scores:

Quetta Gladiators beat Islamabad United by 30 runs. Quetta Gladiators 209 for 6 (Chandimal 48 not out, Ashraf 45, Dwarshuis 2-31, Irshad 2-34) Islamabad United 179 (Farhan 52, Salman 44, Tariq 3-32, Amir 2-31, Ashraf 2-33).