Raw Nerves and Big Hits: Islamabad United Seal Playoff Spot With Dramatic Last-Over Win
Imagine the tension with just one over left—every ball could swing the result. That’s exactly what unfolded when Islamabad United faced Quetta Gladiators in a PSL 2023 match that had fans holding their breath till the final delivery. Islamabad’s victory didn’t just earn them points; it punched their ticket to the much-coveted playoffs, leaving Quetta Gladiators wondering what might have been.
Chasing a moderate yet tricky total, Islamabad’s batting lineup looked rock solid early on. Openers came out with clear intent. Instead of playing it safe, they targeted Quetta’s pace attack right from the start. Shadab Khan, stepping up for his team, drilled a quickfire 40—his boundary-laced knock set the tone. Eyes were glued to the field as the run rate bounced up and down like a roller coaster. Quetta’s bowlers—especially Mohammad Nawaz—weren’t handing out easy runs. His accurate spell in the middle overs sparked Islamabad’s wobble by snaring a couple of wickets, forcing the chasing side to recalibrate under pressure.
That’s when Asif Ali, Islamabad’s go-to guy for big moments, walked in. With just a handful of balls left and the pressure dialed all the way up, he launched a couple of monster sixes that had the crowd roaring. The ask was still steep going into the final over. But Faheem Ashraf made sure it was Islamabad United who crossed the line, flicking the required runs off the last ball and collapsing to the turf in relief and celebration.
Pitch Battles and Playoff Implications: What This Win Means
This wasn’t just a run chase—it was a test of nerves. Islamabad United’s bowlers had also written their script earlier, holding Quetta Gladiators to a total that looked defendable but not daunting. Hasan Ali grabbed key wickets right when Quetta seemed ready to explode. Naseem Shah’s fiery pace in the penultimate overs had Gladiators’ fans hoping for a late surge. Yet, Islamabad kept chipping away at the batting, and Quetta’s best hopes fizzled out before they could reach a par score.
The ripple effects of this win made the PSL 2023 points table sizzle. For Islamabad United, it wasn’t just about making the playoffs—it was about momentum. They went in with their confidence sky-high, thanks to gritty contributions all the way down the order. As for Quetta Gladiators, the loss left them hanging on tournament math and the results of other games to sneak into the next round. Their exit wasn’t sealed that night, but the mountain got steeper.
The energy from the stands showed just how much rides on every game at this stage. PSL 2023 delivered another classic, one where Islamabad United’s fearless style, clutch hitting, and cool heads in the pressure cooker made the difference. The playoffs—now with Islamabad squarely in the fight—just got a lot juicier for fans across the cricket world.