Gladiators smash PSL record in thumping win against United

RAWALPINDI: Rilee Rossouw (104) and Hasan Nawaz (100 not out), in a spectacular display of brute power and elegance, lit up the Rawalpindi Stadium and left the crowd in awe as Quetta Gladiators stormed to a record-shattering total — and a 109-run demolition of Islamabad United on Wednesday night.

The pair unleashed mayhem with the bat, sending the United bowlers on a leather hunt en-route to posting a jaw-dropping 263 for 3 — the highest-ever team total in Pakistan Super League history. Their fireworks eclipsed Multan Sultans’ previous record of 262, ironically set against the Gladiators at the same ground just a couple of years ago.

United crumbled under pressure, bowled out for 154 in reply, as the Gladiators coasted to one of the most dominant wins in PSL history. The emphatic victory not only solidified Quetta’s place in the top two but also pushed Islamabad into a precarious position with their playoff hopes now hanging by a thread.

Rossouw was nothing short of ruthless, hammering six towering sixes and 13 sizzling fours in a blistering 44-ball century. Hasan Nawaz, calm yet commanding, continued his dream run with a sensational unbeaten hundred, laced with nine massive sixes and four boundaries. Their 134-run partnership in just 10 overs left fans on their feet and Islamabad shell-shocked.

Hasan’s towering sixes brought the stadium to its feet, while Rossouw’s masterful ground strokes carved through the field with surgical precision.

Islamabad, in contrast, never found their footing. Reduced to 58 for 7, their collapse was swift and brutal. A defiant 56 from Imad Wasim and a late cameo from Ben Dwarshuis (31) added some respectability, but the writing was already on the wall.

Mohammad Amir’s fiery spell (3 for 6) ripped through the top order, with Mohammad Wasim Jr. (2 for 28) and mystery spinner Mohammad Abrar (2 for 17) sealing a win that was never in doubt.