PSL 2025: Islamabad United’s Sudden Meltdown Explained in 3 Brutal Truths

Islamabad United strolled into the Qualifier looking like a team that had fixed its issues and was determined. With Farhan and van der Dussen in complete control during the Powerplay, a chase of 210 looked like a slightly elevated stroll rather than a Himalayan climb. At 101/2 in 10.5 overs, the match was in their hands—and then, poof! The vibe crashed like a slow song at a hype party—awkward, mistimed, and instantly deflating. In just a couple of overs, Quetta Gladiators wrestled that momentum, recreated the narrative, and Islamabad United fell into full-blown pandemonium. 

The Middle-Order Meltdown

Regarding Islamabad’s middle order, which has a way of crumbling quicker than a cheap lawn chair, chunks of wickets started to disappear after a decent start, and within no snack break at 101/2, they were 131/5 in a premium of 20 balls. When James Neesham opened the batting with his brief stay, getting only 1, he embodied an issue; Islamabad’s middle order played like an audition for a blooper reel. 

Shadab Khan’s 16 off 9 marketers a shred of promise, yet ended in a less than succinct mistimed attempt to clear the ropes. Imad and Naseem didn’t last long either, and just like that, the run chase collapsed beneath a wave of reckless urgency. 

Faheem Ashraf’s All-Round Havoc

But let’s avoid forgetting about the man who rewrote the script of the game, Faheem Ashraf. When Faheem walked to the crease with the score 113-5 for Quetta, Islamabad felt they were on top of the game, were in the game. What followed was carnage wrapped in elegance, as his 45 off 23 wasn’t just counterattacking – it was a demolition job masquerading as a cameo. He sliced and diced Naseem Shah, shoved Neesham from the attack, and left the fielding side in stunned silence. 

And then, if this wasn’t enough, he came back with the ball and ripped out Hales with an absolute peach, and then Neesham with something that should be preserved in an exhibition for swing bowling. Along with his bat-breaking knock, Faheem finished with 2-33, he was not just the player of the match; he was the tornado that blew Islamabad off course.

Tactical Errors and Fielding Fizzles

Islamabad looked to be making a selection on their bowlers and fielders from a nightmarish comeback selection committee meeting. On a fairly two-paced Lahore track, they handed over 209 runs and looked to have given up as they leaked boundaries everywhere like a sieve. Naseem bowled four overs of hope, but the scoreboard only printed regret.

Shadab allowed himself only two overs; ironic for a captain who had just had the set batter Avishka Fernando dismissed. Dwarshuis, who took two wickets in his first spell, was not utilized until late when pressure needed to be applied. Their Fieldsman (as if they were a tag team name) did not assist either, though their greatest sin was the complete lack of adaptability.

In the end, Islamabad’s chase did not sink; therefore, from one iceberg, it was death by a thousand self-inflicted paper cuts. From the batting implosion, to Faheem’s all-round heroics, to a tactical and field placement that very much reeked of indecisiveness, they wasted the opportunity to secure what they held so tight. Quetta Gladiators now move forward with some momentum, but Islamabad is left to lick their wounds and wonder how everything was lost so quickly, with the blinding lights of Lahore shining down on them.

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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