LAHORE - The business end of the HBL PSL 10 begins today (Wednesday) at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium, which will host all playoff matches of the tournament.
Table-toppers Quetta Gladiators will face second-placed Islamabad United in the Qualifier at 7:30 pm, with the toss scheduled for 7:00 pm. The first Eliminator will take place on Thursday (May 22), featuring Lahore Qalandars against Karachi Kings. The winner of that match will face the loser of the Qualifier in Eliminator 2 on Friday (May 23), while the grand finale is set for Sunday (May 25).
Quetta have been the most consistent side this season, securing seven wins in ten matches to finish atop the standings. Islamabad United, the defending champions, endured a mid-season slump with four straight losses but bounced back with a commanding 79-run win over Karachi Kings in their last league game.
The table-toppers Quetta hold a mental advantage, having defeated United in both league meetings. However, Islamabad captain Shadab Khan played down the pressure. “Knockout cricket is a different ball game. We are confident and ready,” he said in the pre-match presser.
Youngster Hasan Nawaz has been a revelation for Quetta, scoring 317 runs at an average of 63.40. With support from Rilee Rossouw and captain Saud Shakeel at the top, and Khawaja Nafay’s emergence, Quetta’s batting looks formidable. In the bowling department, Abrar Ahmed leads with 15 wickets, while Faheem Ashraf has been pivotal with the new ball.
Islamabad’s batting is powered by Sahibzada Farhan, the current holder of the Hanif Mohammad Cap, who has amassed 394 runs at a strike rate of 154.50. He’s followed by Karachi’s James Vince (374) and Lahore’s Fakhar Zaman (369). Alex Hales also found form at the right time, blasting 88 off 39 against Karachi. Shadab Khan’s all-round display—42 runs and 4 wickets in the last match—adds vital balance to United’s side. Their bowling arsenal, including Salman Irshad, Ben Dwarshuis, Tymal Mills, and Imad Wasim, brings both variety and experience.
In the race for the Fazal Mahmood Cap, Karachi Kings’ Mohammad Abbas Afridi leads with 17 wickets, followed closely by Abrar Ahmed, Jason Holder (United), and Hasan Ali (Kings) with 15 each.Fans holding tickets for the Eliminators and final can use them on the new scheduled dates. Tickets for the Qualifier are available at pcb.tcs.com.pk and TCS Express Centres.
