Cricket Highlights, May 03: PSL 2025 (23rd Match) – IU vs QG

IU vs QG (23rd Match) – Highlights

In a nail-biter at Lahore on May 3, 2025, QZ won a dramatic contest by two wickets against IU in the 23rd match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Chasing a target of 158, Gladiators won off the last ball of the innings and the hero, 19-year-old Hasan Nawaz, was named Player of the Match after smashing an unbeaten 64 from 41 balls.

Islamabad United took first strike and wasted no time hitting the gas. Sahibzada Farhan smashed a fiery 39 off 24—peppered with 2 fours and 4 towering sixes—while teaming up with Kyle Mayers for a punchy 58-run opening salvo, before Mayers fell for 22 to Abrar Ahmed’s crafty spell. After which Islamabad United seemed to experience a middle-order collapse. Colin Munro, Salman Agha, and Andries Gous all got off to quick starts but none were able to capitalise on their starts. Meanwhile, Agha and Shahzad went without any runs (0’s).

The innings was steadied somewhat by Mohammad Nawaz, who played a counter-attacking knock of 49 from 34 balls, including five maximums. His efforts lifted United to a defendable total of 157 for 9 in 20 overs. Faheem Ashraf was the standout bowler for Quetta Gladiators, claiming four wickets for just 25 runs in his three-over spell. Khurram Shahzad, Kyle Jamieson, Abrar Ahmed, and Saud Shakeel also chipped in with one wicket each.

QZ chase didn’t start smoothly. Captain Saud Shakeel and Finn Allen were dismissed early, reducing Gladiators to 28 for 2 within four overs. Rilee Rossouw then tried to anchor the innings with a composed 27 before being run out in the 10th over. At 80 for 3, the pressure was firmly on Quetta when Hasan Nawaz walked in and turned the match on its head.

The right-handed batsman showed great composure and aggressiveness. He lifted the Gladiators out of the mire smashing two fours and four sixes en route to his unbeaten 64 off 41 balls. Even though wickets were falling from the other end — notably, two wickets from both Mark Chapman, Haseebullah Khan, and Faheem Ashraf — the speedster owner Nawaz was struggling and survived. The two speedsters from Islamabad United, Naseem Shah and Salman Irshad were brilliant under pressure taking two wickets each but could not get him out.

The final overs were tense. Quetta needed 15 runs from the last 12 balls with just two wickets in hand. Hasan Nawaz took control in the penultimate over and ensured the game didn’t drag to the final delivery. He finished the game in the 19.5th over with a boundary, taking Quetta to 159 for 8 and keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators Scoreboard

Islamabad United – 157/9 (20)

Quetta Gladiators – 159/8 (19.5)

Result – Gladiators won by 2 wickets (with 1 ball remaining)

Player of the Match – Hasan Nawaz

IU vs QG Playing XI

Islamabad United

Sahibzada Farhan, Kyle Mayers, Colin Munro, Salman Agha (c), Andries Gous (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Muhammad Shahzad, Haider Ali, Jason Holder, Naseem Shah, Salman Irshad

Quetta Gladiators

Saud Shakeel (c), Finn Allen, Rilee Rossouw, Hasan Nawaz, Mark Chapman, Haseebullah Khan (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Kyle Jamieson, Mohammad Wasim, Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shahzad

Disclaimer: This match highlight 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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