Usman Qadir shines as Islamabad’s chase falls short
Quetta Gladiators 209 for 6 (Chandimal 48, Ashraf 45, Dwarshuis 2-31, Irshad 2-34) defeated Islamabad United 179 (Farhan 52, Salman 44, Tariq 3-32, Amir 2-31, Ashraf 2-33) by 30 runs*
Quetta Gladiators stormed into the final with a commanding 30-run victory over Islamabad United, powered by aggressive batting performances from Finn Allen, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, and Faheem Ashraf—each scoring at a strike rate over 150. After setting a formidable target of 209 for 6, Quetta’s bowlers took control in the middle overs, eventually bowling out United for 179.
Having topped the league stage with seven wins from ten matches, Quetta rightfully claimed their place in the final. Islamabad, meanwhile, must now take the longer route, facing the winner of the eliminator between Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars in Qualifier 2.
Chandimal and Ashraf Steal the Show
The turning point of the game came between overs 11.6 and 19.5, when Dinesh Chandimal and Faheem Ashraf stitched together a blistering partnership. Chandimal remained unbeaten on 48 from 28 deliveries, while Ashraf smashed 45 from 23. Both batters hit three sixes and four boundaries each, combining for a 95-run stand off just 48 balls.
Chandimal was particularly effective on the leg side, using his strong bottom hand to power shots, though he also managed a boundary through backward point against wide yorkers from James Neesham. Ashraf, meanwhile, displayed power all around the wicket—punishing both straight and wide deliveries with ease.
United Show Early Promise
Islamabad’s chase had its moments. Sahibzada Farhan and Rassie van der Dussen put together a 71-run partnership off 45 balls. Farhan top-scored with 52 from 35 balls, notching his sixth T20 half-century. Agha Salman then contributed a quick-fire 44 from 26 balls, giving United a glimmer of hope.
However, once Salman was dismissed with 16 balls remaining and 42 runs still needed, United’s chances faded quickly as they lost wickets in a heap.
Usman Tariq Makes His Mark
While Mohammad Amir and Faheem Ashraf picked up two wickets each, it was Usman Tariq’s spell that had the greatest impact. He first removed the well-set Farhan with a mistimed leg-side full toss caught by Khawaja Nafay. Later, he cleverly dismissed Salman with a wide delivery that resulted in a top-edge to long-on, and also took out Naseem Shah in the deep to finish with 3 for 32—matching his figures from the previous game.
Tariq’s performance eclipsed those of his higher-profile teammates Ashraf and Abrar Ahmed, both of whom now sit tied for second in the tournament wicket-takers’ list with 16 scalps apiece.
