Islamabad United look to save their blushes

ISLAMABAD: Once hailed as the team to beat in Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season X, defending champions Islamabad United find themselves teetering on the brink of elimination after suffering three consecutive defeats.

What started as a promising campaign has now turned into a test of resilience, with the team walking a tightrope ahead of a crucial clash against the red-hot Quetta Gladiators at the Pindi Stadium today (Wednesday).

Gladiators, sitting comfortably at the top of the table, have already dealt a psychological blow to United just days ago at Gaddafi Stadium, where they edged past the capital side in a thrilling contest.

Islamabad’s strategic miscalculation in that match -- handing the final over to rookie Mohammad Shahzad with 15 runs to defend -- backfired spectacularly as Hasan Nawaz, the former Lashings Club power-hitter, blasted two towering sixes to seal a stunning victory and hand United their third loss on the trot.

Home turf has often been a sanctuary for United, but their recent away losses have exposed glaring cracks -- both in form and in planning.

Now back in familiar territory, United must summon every ounce of grit and tactical acumen to keep their playoff hopes alive. Another slip-up, especially against a rampant Quetta side, could push them dangerously close to the exit door.

For Gladiators, a win today (Wednesday) will make them the first team to officially book a spot in the play-offs, taking their tally to an unassailable 13 points.

Led by the consistent Saud Shakeel, who has quietly amassed 180 runs across seven innings, Quetta’s campaign has been marked by both discipline and flair.

However, questions loom over New Zealand’s FH Allen, whose return of just 155 runs from eight matches has been underwhelming.

On the other hand, Islamabad’s squad, though bruised, still boasts potential match-winners. Sahibzada Farhan, currently the second-highest run-getter of the PSL X with 320 runs, remains a vital cog in their batting engine.

Meanwhile, Jason Holder, the joint leading wicket-taker, continues to be a pillar of strength in the bowling department, proving his worth in crunch situations.

However, the absence of captain Shadab Khan, nursing an injury, has left a leadership vacuum. Stand-in skipper Salman Ali Agha is battling his own demons with the bat, further compounding United’s woes.

Gladiators’ bowling arsenal will also rely heavily on Faheem Ashraf, Khurram Shahzad, and Abrar Ahmed, the mystery spinner who has a special affinity for the Rawalpindi pitch.

“Even in domestic cricket, I’ve always performed well here. The Rawalpindi surface suits my style perfectly,” Abrar shared in a recent media interaction.

With Multan Sultans already out of the playoff race, the competition for the remaining four spots remains fierce.

The outcome of Islamabad’s match against Quetta could set off a chain reaction that determines the fate of multiple teams.

Meanwhile, Peshawar Zalmi, the slow starters of the tournament, are quietly inching into contention.

They face a double-header at Pindi Stadium -- first against Karachi Kings on May 8, followed by a potential knockout battle against Lahore Qalandars on May 9.

The results of these fixtures will further crystallize the playoff picture.

In a league brimming with unpredictability, one thing is certain -- Wednesday’s showdown in Rawalpindi is more than just a game. For United, it’s a fight for survival; for Gladiators, it’s a step towards glory.