Minhas, Shadab steer Islamabad United to eight-wicket win over Quetta Gladiators

Islamabad: Pakistan Under-19 batter Sameer Minhas and Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan struck unbeaten half-centuries to guide their side to an eight-wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League on Thursday.

Chasing a target of 184, Islamabad United were under pressure at 86 for 2 after 11 overs. Minhas and Shadab then put together an unbroken 128-run partnership that turned the contest decisively in Islamabad’s favour and ensured there were no further setbacks in the run chase.

The key shift in momentum came in the 12th over, when Tom Curran gave away 22 runs. That over allowed Islamabad United to bring the required rate under control and seize command of the chase.

Minhas, described as one of Pakistan’s emerging youth prospects, batted with freedom and attacking intent, while Shadab first provided stability before increasing the tempo. Islamabad eventually completed the chase comfortably, with Minhas finishing the match with a six.

Shadab was named Player of the Match for an all-round display that also included three wickets. Earlier in the game, he returned figures of 3 for 23, helping restrict Quetta despite a strong finish from their batting line-up.

Quetta’s late surge lifts total to 183

After being sent in, Quetta Gladiators posted 183, thanks largely to an unbeaten 66 off 36 balls from Hasan Nawaz. His innings led a late charge in which Quetta added 74 runs in the final five overs.

Despite that acceleration at the end, Quetta’s total was not enough to defend. Islamabad’s bowlers had kept the scoring in check earlier in the innings, with Imad Wasim playing a key role in controlling the run flow during the initial stages.

Quetta also made early inroads while defending their total. Abrar Ahmed put them in a strong position by taking two quick wickets, dismissing Devon Conway and Andries Gous to leave Islamabad in difficulty.

However, the Minhas-Shadab stand changed the course of the match. Their partnership not only repaired the innings after the early blows but also shifted pressure back onto Quetta’s bowlers.

In the end, Islamabad United sealed an emphatic win, led by their captain’s all-round contribution and a composed, aggressive innings from Minhas.