In an extraordinary night of batting brilliance at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rilee Rossouw and Hassan Nawaz etched their names into Pakistan Super League (PSL) folklore during Quetta Gladiators’ demolition of Islamabad United. On May 7, 2025, the Gladiators set a record total of 263 runs, the highest in PSL history, against an increasingly clueless United side in the 26th match of PSL X.
United's skipper Salman Raza won the toss and opted to field first, a decision that backfired spectacularly as the Gladiators' batsmen exploited Islamabad's bowling weaknesses to pile on runs. Quetta Gladiators scored 263/3 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks in large part to a marathon 134-run partnership between centurions Rossouw and Nawaz.
The Gladiators got off to a shaky start, losing their opening pair, with Finn Allen run out for just five runs after a 24-run stand with Saud Shakeel. Shakeel then shared a brisk 36-run partnership with Rossouw before falling victim to Naseem Shah, scoring 23 off 18 deliveries, including three boundaries.
Following Shakeel's dismissal, Rossouw joined forces with Nawaz, steering the Gladiators into a commanding position. The two batters put on a stunning display, adding 134 runs for the second wicket in just ten overs. Rossouw, the experienced South African left-hander, was the core aggressor of the crucial stand, scoring 104 off just 46 balls, laced with 20 boundaries, including six sixes.
Nawaz, on the other hand, batted until the end, making a significant contribution with an unbeaten 100 off 45 deliveries, studded with nine fours and four sixes. This marked a historic achievement as Nawaz and Rossouw became the first pair to score centuries in the same innings in PSL history.
As the innings progressed, Rossouw reached his century in a blistering 44 balls, showcasing both precision and raw power. His knock was a blend of aggressive strokes and calculated risks, leaving the United bowlers in disarray. Nawaz matched Rossouw’s intensity, displaying maturity beyond his years as he remained unbeaten, striking at an astonishing 222.22.
The middle-order batter was also involved in another crucial partnership, adding 69 runs for the fourth wicket with Mark Chapman, who contributed a quick 13 not out from eight deliveries. This powerful batting display propelled Quetta Gladiators to a total that not only set a new PSL record but also sent a clear message to the rest of the tournament that they are peaking at the right time.
For Islamabad United, the bowling attack struggled to contain the onslaught. Only Imad Wasim and Naseem Shah managed to take a wicket each, but both were expensive. Imad Wasim conceded 42 runs in his four overs, while Naseem Shah was hammered for 55 runs. Jason Holder and Ben Dwarshuis also suffered, giving away 52 and 50 runs respectively in their full quotas.
As far as statistical landmarks go, this is one that might stand the test of time—two centurions from one side, both scoring at over a 220 strike rate, in a league known for tight finishes and high-pressure bowling. At the time of writing, Islamabad United struggled in response, sitting at 68/7, a stark contrast to the Gladiators' batting display.
On a night overshadowed by off-field geopolitical uncertainty, Quetta Gladiators delivered a breathtaking display of power-hitting that thrilled fans. Earlier in the day, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had moved swiftly to allay concerns regarding the continuation of the PSL amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and India. With social media rife with speculation about the league's possible suspension, particularly with matches hosted in sensitive regions such as Lahore and Rawalpindi, the PCB issued a decisive statement confirming that the tournament would proceed as scheduled.
“HBL Pakistan Super League X will continue as planned,” the board stated, reaffirming that Islamabad United's fixture against Quetta Gladiators would go ahead as scheduled.
As the match progressed, Quetta's batting prowess was on full display, with Rossouw and Nawaz leading the charge. Their historic innings not only entertained but also showcased the potential of the Gladiators as they look to make a deep run in the tournament. With this performance, Quetta not only flexed its batting muscles but also sent a signal to the rest of the tournament—this team is one to watch.
As the dust settles on this record-breaking night, the spotlight undeniably belongs to Rossouw and Nawaz—the first-ever duo to score twin hundreds in a PSL innings. A historic night, a record-breaking stand, and a reminder that in T20 cricket, fireworks can come in pairs.
