Alex Hales leaves Islamabad United mid-playoffs

Star English batter Alex Hales has parted ways with Islamabad United during the Pakistan Super League playoffs, leaving the team without a key player ahead of a must-win match.

Neither Islamabad United nor Hales officially mentioned the reason for his departure.

Hales was recalled to strengthen Islamabad's chances in the final stages and made an immediate impact with a blistering 88 off 35 balls against Karachi Kings, helping United secure second place and a spot in the Qualifier against Quetta Gladiators.

However, his second outing didn’t go as planned; he was dismissed for a duck in the Qualifier at Gaddafi Stadium, where Islamabad lost to Quetta. Now, as United prepare for a do-or-die match to reach the final, they'll be without Hales, who has exited the squad.

Taking to social media, Hales thanked Islamabad United and wished the team well for the remainder of the tournament.

Meanwhile, fellow overseas player Rassie van der Dussen remains with the team for the crucial fixtures ahead.

Quetta Outclass Islamabad in high-scoring qualifier

The first Qualifier was played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, where Quetta Gladiators chose to bat first after winning the toss. Despite losing opener Saud Shakeel early, Quetta built strong partnerships throughout the innings.

Finn Allen played a quick knock of 41 runs, while Dinesh Chandimal (48 not out) and Faheem Ashraf (45) powered the team to a big total of 209 for 6 in 20 overs.

For Islamabad, Ben Dwarshuis and Salman Irshad picked up two wickets each.

Chasing 210 runs, Islamabad’s innings started on a poor note as Alex Hales was dismissed for zero. However, a steady 71-run partnership between Sahibzada Farhan (52) and Rassie van der Dussen (35) kept hopes alive. After both were dismissed, captain Shadab Khan added only 16 runs, and though Agha Salman fought hard with 44, Islamabad’s lower order crumbled.

The entire team was bowled out for 179 in the final over, falling 30 runs short of the target.

For Quetta, Usman Tariq was the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets, while Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Wasim Jr., and Faheem Ashraf grabbed 2 wickets each.

With this win, Quetta Gladiators have booked their place in the PSL 10 Final. Meanwhile, Islamabad United will get one more chance in Qualifier 2, where they will face the winner of the Eliminator between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings.