Abrar, Hassan power Quetta to victory over Hyderabad

Quetta Gladiators secured their first win of HBL PSL 2026 after defeating Hyderabad Kingsmen by 40 runs at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, with Abrar Ahmed taking three wickets while Shamyl Hussain and Hassan Nawaz scored crucial half-centuries.

Chasing 175, the Kingsmen were restricted to 134 for the loss of eight wickets 20 overs as Quetta’s bowlers produced a disciplined performance.

Alzarri Joseph provided the early breakthrough by dismissing Saim Ayub for eight, while Abrar Ahmed struck twice in quick succession to remove Maaz Sadaqat for a duck and Usman Khan for 14, leaving Kingsmen struggling inside the powerplay.

Saad Ali and Marnus Labuschagne attempted to rebuild the innings, but Usman Tariq dismissed Saad for seven before skipper Saud Shakeel removed Labuschagne for 23, reducing the side to 57/5.

Hassan Khan offered some resistance with a quick 31 off 19 balls during a 48-run stand, but Ahmed Daniyal broke the partnership and later removed Hammad Azam.

For Quetta, Abrar Ahmed led the attack with three wickets, Ahmed Daniyal claimed two, while Usman Tariq, Saud Shakeel and Alzarri Joseph picked up one wicket each.

Batting first, the Gladiators posted 174 for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs with half centuries from Shamyl Hussain and Hassan Nawaz.

The Gladiators had a 21-run opening stand before skipper Saud Shakeel was shown the door on the last ball of the second over for four by pacer Riley Meredith.

Meredith struck again shortly after, removing Rilee Rossouw for a five-ball duck to reduce Quetta to 21-2.

Shamyl then partnered with Hassan Nawaz to rebuild the innings, stitching together an 89-run stand. Shamyl registered back-to-back fifties in the tournament, scoring 54 off 41 balls with three fours and three sixes before Meredith completed his third wicket.

Hassan Nawaz continued the momentum, bringing up his fourth PSL fifty. However, Maheesh Theekshana dented Quetta’s progress in the 15th over by dismissing Khawaja Nafay and Ben McDermott in quick succession.

Tom Curran accelerated in the closing overs with a brisk 31 off 18 balls, while Abrar Ahmed struck two late boundaries to remain unbeaten on nine, helping Quetta finish on 174/8 in their 20 overs.