PSL 2025: 3 Reasons Why Islamabad United Lost to Quetta Gladiators

What began as an electrifying PSL clash in Rawalpindi quickly devolved into a nightmarish crucible for Islamabad United supporters. Unable to counter the attractions of a record 264 to chase down, United’s response was not a counter-attack, but an abject surrender. The arena that was alive with expectation went deathly silent as the Quetta Gladiators were able to win handsomely by 109 runs, aided by an astonishing touch of dominance with both bat and ball, and having run off with the match. So, how on earth did it go so terribly wrong for a Shadab-less United? Let’s prise it open, layer by excruciating layer.

Top-Order Collapse Before the Chase Began

Forget chasing 264–Islamabad never got off the ground. Their innings was not much stronger than a house of cards tossed around in a sandstorm. After three overs, it was 19/3. After six, it looked like 53/6. Mohammad Amir set the tone with a vintage double strike in the first over of the match, first Mayers, then Farhan, both lost before a single fan could settle into his or her seat. Salman Agha, who was captain at that moment, was next to fall in a soft dismissal, adding to the wreck of the top order when the middle had zero chance to stem the flames. You can’t chase a mountain when you don’t get past step one with your mountaineering equipment.

Rilee Rossouw: The Left-Handed Wrecking Ball

Every PSL has an innings—the innings that fans reference for seasons to come. This time, it was Rilee Rossouw who took the town of Rawalpindi and made it his playhouse. His blistering 104 off 46 balls wasn’t just a knock; it was an ambush. The bowlers for Islamabad looked like they had rolled hand grenades with the pin still in. Imad finally grounded the chaos, but not before Rossouw lit up the night with 14 fours and six thunderclaps over the rope. The bruise he left with Hasan Nawaz (who too added his blitzing unbeaten century) left United’s bowlers in no man’s land. 

No Adaptation, No Fight: Islamabad’s Tactical Failure

Even after being shell-shocked by the Quetta batting onslaught, Islamabad had a chance to reset and kick back with some tactical intentions. But their bowling plans were all over the place—bowlers Jason Holder and Naseem Shah went for over 50 each, and no bowler controlled the play. On top of that is the complete absence of the ability to shuffle the bowling or, except for part-timer Fakhar Zaman, set more sensible fields during the carnage, and you have a bewildered team. Then, when the chase came along, even the batting order seemed as if it had been selected as by a lottery raffle draw rather than decisions made with some strategy. Although wholly reliant on overseas power, the batting had no even minimum clear anchor; so, when the top three perished, it was left to the international posturing to hold the innings together. Imad Wasim’s determined 56 and Dwarshuis’ surprise cameo were little more than decorative in a game already lost.

So when the dust settled in Rawalpindi, it was not merely a defeat—it was a loud and flashing warning for Islamabad United. Without Shadab Khan’s leadership, they seemed rudderless. With their stars failing and no Plan B, they were outclassed, outgunned, and out of the contest inside ten overs. 

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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