Islamabad United stayed in control of their PSL 2026 campaign with an eight-wicket win over Quetta Gladiators in Lahore, powered by Shadab Khan’s all-round display and Sameer Minhas’ unbeaten 82.
Islamabad United produced another polished performance in PSL 2026, beating Quetta Gladiators by eight wickets in the ninth match at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on April 2. Chasing 184, United reached 189 for 2 in 18.2 overs, with Sameer Minhas and captain Shadab Khan taking complete control after the early loss of two wickets.
Quetta Gladiators had earlier posted 183 for 5 from their 20 overs after choosing to bat first. Hasan Nawaz remained unbeaten on 66, while Saud Shakeel made 42 and helped give Quetta a competitive total on a surface that offered value for strokeplay. Islamabad, though, kept the innings from running away from them, and it was Shadab who made the biggest dent with the ball, finishing with 3 for 23.
The chase was where Islamabad looked a class above. Minhas stayed unbeaten on 82, while Shadab followed up his work with the ball by striking an unbeaten 69. The pair put together an unbroken 128-run stand off just 68 balls, turning what could have been a tricky chase into a one-sided finish. Once they settled, Quetta struggled to find any way back into the game.
For Islamabad United, this was the kind of win that underlines serious intent. It was not just about getting over the line, but about the manner in which they controlled both halves of the match. For Quetta Gladiators, the total looked solid at the break, but their bowlers could not break the momentum once Minhas and Shadab took charge.
Shadab’s all-round contribution ended up defining the contest. He disrupted Quetta’s innings at key moments, then returned to finish the job with the bat, while Minhas delivered one of the standout knocks of the match. Islamabad left Lahore with another convincing result and the sense of a side building rhythm early in PSL 2026.
