The much-anticipated playoff stage of Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 begins this Wednesday with defending champions Islamabad United gearing up to face former champions and consistent performers Quetta Gladiators in the qualifiers. The match, scheduled to start at 7:30 pm, promises high drama as both teams vie for a spot in the tournament’s final stages.
Earlier in the league phase, Quetta Gladiators dominated Islamabad United with two convincing wins — first by 109 runs in Rawalpindi and then by a narrow two-wicket victory in Lahore. However, Islamabad United regained their momentum with a commanding 79-run win against Karachi Kings in their final group match, boosting their confidence ahead of this crucial encounter.
Quetta comes into the qualifier on a high note, having won seven out of their ten league matches, with two losses and one washout due to rain. Their stellar performance saw them top the points table with 15 points. Islamabad United, meanwhile, secured the second spot with six wins out of ten matches.
Karachi Kings finished third on the points table with 12 points from six wins, while Lahore Qalandars grabbed the fourth position with 11 points. The upcoming Eliminator 1 match, which will decide who faces the loser of the qualifier, is set between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings on Thursday, May 22. The grand finale is scheduled for Sunday, May 25.
In positive news for Quetta Gladiators, two of their key overseas players, Finn Allen and Gulbadin Naib, have joined the squad ahead of the playoffs, adding firepower and depth to the team.
Quetta’s captain Saud Shakeel expressed confidence ahead of the qualifier, highlighting the importance of the team’s consistent performances during the league stage. “Finishing on top in the league means we have played quite a bit of cricket and gained momentum. Now, all focus is on the qualifiers,” he said.
He also praised the team’s emerging players, particularly Hassan Nawaz and Khawaja Nafi, who have impressed with their performances. Shakeel said, When I picked Hassan Nawaz, I had full faith in him. The more credit he gets, the less he will be; he played all kinds of shots and played a key role in our victories. Both Hassan Nawaz and Khawaja Nafi have the potential to play for Pakistan in the future.
Shakeel also revealed that the team had not yet finalized their playing XI or batting order, emphasizing the strategic nature of the playoffs.
On the batting front, Sahibzada Farhan of Islamabad United has been in outstanding form, leading the tournament’s run-scoring charts. Farhan has accumulated 394 runs in 10 matches, including one century and two half-centuries, earning him the prestigious Hanif Muhammad cap.
Close behind is Karachi Kings’ James Vince, who has scored 374 runs with the help of a century and three fifties. Lahore Qalandars’ Fakhar Zaman stands third in the batting rankings with 369 runs, supported by four half-centuries.
The bowling charts are led by Karachi Kings’ Muhammad Abbas Afridi, who has taken 17 wickets and holds the Fazal Mahmood cap. Quetta Gladiators’ Abrar Ahmed, Islamabad United’s Jason Holder, and Karachi Kings’ Hasan Ali are also among the top wicket-takers, each claiming 15 wickets.
As the playoffs approach, the stakes have never been higher. Islamabad United will look to leverage their championship experience and recent form, while Quetta Gladiators will aim to convert their dominant league stage performance into a deep run in the tournament.
Cricket fans across Pakistan eagerly await the opening playoff clash, expecting thrilling cricket and nail-biting moments as the race to PSL 10 glory intensifies.
