The Quetta Gladiators vs Islamabad United rivalry is one of the most competitive matchups in Pakistan Super League (PSL) history. Both teams have been part of the tournament since its inaugural season in 2016, and they have met in league matches, knockout games and even the first PSL final.Quetta vs Islamabad Head-to-Head in PSL
The rivalry has generally been very close, with both teams enjoying successful periods. Quetta Gladiators have historically held a narrow advantage, although Islamabad United have also produced several important victories. The latest meeting in PSL 2026 saw Islamabad United defeat Quetta Gladiators by eight wickets.
According to the available head-to-head records, the teams had played 23 matches through the 2025 season, with Quetta winning 12 and Islamabad winning 10, while one match was abandoned. The 2026 meeting added another completed match to the rivalry.
Quetta Gladiators vs Islamabad United H2H Record
| Category | Quetta Gladiators | Islamabad United |
|---|---|---|
| Matches before 2026 | 23 | 23 |
| Wins | 12 | 10 |
| Losses | 10 | 12 |
| No Result | 1 | 1 |
| Latest 2026 result | Lost | Won |
| Highest Score | 263/3 | 229/4 |
| Lowest Score | 118 | 117 |
The most striking feature of this rivalry is the number of close contests. Quetta have won several matches by narrow margins, while Islamabad have also produced dramatic victories, including their six-wicket win in the 2016 PSL final. Quetta vs Islamabad Head-to-Head in PSL
Beginning of the Rivalry
Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United faced each other for the first time in the inaugural PSL season in 2016.
Their first meeting took place on February 4, 2016. Islamabad United scored 128/7, but Quetta Gladiators chased the target comfortably, reaching 132/2 and winning by eight wickets.
Quetta won their second meeting as well. They successfully chased Islamabad’s 117 and won by seven wickets.
However, Islamabad United soon responded. The teams met again in the 2016 PSL final, and Islamabad produced a memorable performance to win the inaugural championship.
Quetta scored 174/7 after batting first. Islamabad chased the target successfully, reaching 175/4 in 18.4 overs and winning by six wickets.
That final established the rivalry as one of the most important contests in PSL history.
Islamabad United’s Early Dominance
The 2017 season belonged largely to Islamabad United.
Islamabad defeated Quetta by five wickets in their first meeting after chasing 148. They then won the second match by just one run after defending 165/6.
The one-run victory was an excellent example of the close nature of this rivalry. Quetta scored 164/5 but fell just short of Islamabad’s total.
In 2018, the two sides shared the victories. Quetta won the first match by six wickets, while Islamabad responded with a six-wicket victory in their next meeting.
Quetta’s Strong Period
Quetta Gladiators began to dominate the fixture more consistently from 2019 onward.
In the 2019 PSL season, Quetta defeated Islamabad twice. They won the first encounter by seven wickets and then produced a 43-run victory in their second meeting.
The 2020 season was even more favorable for Quetta. They defeated Islamabad in both league meetings, winning by three wickets and five wickets respectively.
These victories helped Quetta establish a strong advantage in the overall head-to-head record.
Islamabad Fight Back in 2021 and 2022
Islamabad United responded strongly in the following seasons.
In 2021, Islamabad defeated Quetta by six wickets in their first meeting. Later in the tournament, Islamabad produced one of their most dominant performances against the Gladiators, winning by 10 wickets after chasing just 134.
The 2022 season was split between the two teams.
Islamabad won the first encounter by 43 runs, scoring 229/4 before dismissing Quetta for 186. Quetta responded in the second meeting by scoring 203/5 and chasing Islamabad’s 199/8 with five wickets to spare.
This period demonstrated that neither franchise could maintain complete control over the rivalry.
Islamabad’s Dominance in 2023 and 2024
Islamabad United had another strong period during 2023 and 2024.
In February 2023, Islamabad scored 220/6 and defeated Quetta by 63 runs. In their second meeting, Islamabad again won, this time by two wickets after successfully chasing 179.
The 2024 season was more competitive.
Quetta won their first meeting by three wickets after chasing 139. Islamabad responded in the Eliminator 1, defeating Quetta by 39 runs.
The playoff victory was particularly important because Islamabad eventually went on to win the 2024 PSL title.
One of the scheduled meetings in 2024 was abandoned because of rain.
Quetta’s Remarkable 2025 Season
The 2025 PSL season was one of the most dominant periods for Quetta Gladiators against Islamabad United.
The two teams met three times, and Quetta won all three matches.
First Meeting
On May 3, 2025, Quetta successfully chased Islamabad’s 157/9, reaching 159/8 to win by two wickets.
Second Meeting
Four days later, Quetta produced one of their biggest victories in the rivalry.
They scored a massive 263/3, while Islamabad were bowled out for 154. Quetta won by an enormous 109 runs.
The 263/3 became Quetta Gladiators’ highest score against Islamabad United and one of the highest team totals in PSL history.
2025 Qualifier
The teams met again in Qualifier 1 on May 21, 2025.
Quetta scored 209/6, while Islamabad were bowled out for 179. Quetta won by 30 runs and advanced in the playoffs.
This completed a remarkable 3-0 season record for Quetta against Islamabad.
2026: Islamabad United Respond
Islamabad United finally ended Quetta’s winning run in the 2026 PSL.
On April 2, 2026, Quetta Gladiators scored 183/5 after choosing to bat first. Islamabad United responded with an excellent chase, reaching 189/2 in 18.2 overs.
Islamabad won by eight wickets, with their batting lineup successfully overcoming a challenging target.
The result was particularly significant because Quetta had won all three meetings against Islamabad in 2025.
Highest Scores in the Rivalry
Quetta Gladiators – 263/3
Quetta’s highest score against Islamabad United is 263/3, achieved on May 7, 2025.
It was an extraordinary batting performance and resulted in a 109-run victory.
Islamabad United – 229/4
Islamabad United’s highest score against Quetta is 229/4, scored during their 43-run victory in February 2022.
These numbers demonstrate the strong batting quality that has often characterized this matchup.
Lowest Scores
Quetta Gladiators’ lowest total against Islamabad United is 118, according to the available head-to-head records.
Islamabad United’s lowest total against Quetta is 117. Both figures came during the early PSL seasons.
Interestingly, both teams have therefore recorded very similar lowest totals against each other.
Recent Head-to-Head Record
The recent rivalry has been particularly interesting.
Quetta dominated the matchup in 2025, winning all three meetings, including the Qualifier. Islamabad then responded with their eight-wicket victory in 2026.
The last 10 completed matches before the 2026 contest were shown as evenly balanced at 5-5 by IPL.com, illustrating how competitive the rivalry has been over the longer recent period.
This makes the matchup difficult to predict. Quetta have enjoyed periods of dominance, but Islamabad have repeatedly responded with strong performances.
Why Quetta vs Islamabad Is Special
The rivalry has several features that make it particularly important in PSL history.
First, the two teams played in the inaugural PSL final in 2016. Islamabad won that match and became the first PSL champions.
Second, they have frequently met in knockout matches. Their 2024 Eliminator and 2025 Qualifier were both important playoff encounters.
Third, the rivalry has produced enormous batting totals. Quetta’s 263/3 and Islamabad’s 229/4 are excellent examples of the attacking cricket that has characterized this matchup.
Finally, the overall record has remained close. Neither team has been able to establish permanent dominance.
Conclusion
The Quetta Gladiators vs Islamabad United head-to-head record in PSL is one of the most competitive rivalries in the tournament.
Before the 2026 meeting, Quetta had won 12 of 23 matches, compared with Islamabad’s 10, with one match abandoned. Islamabad then defeated Quetta by eight wickets in the 2026 season, narrowing the overall gap further.
Quetta’s biggest achievement in the rivalry came in 2025, when they won all three meetings, including a spectacular 109-run victory after scoring 263/3.
Islamabad, meanwhile, have enjoyed major successes of their own, including the historic 2016 PSL final victory and their 2026 response.
With both teams possessing powerful batting lineups, quality bowlers and significant playoff experience, Quetta Gladiators vs Islamabad United remains one of the PSL’s most exciting head-to-head contests.
5 FAQs
1. How many times have Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United played in PSL?
Before the 2026 season meeting, Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United had played 23 PSL matches, according to the available head-to-head records.
2. Who has won more matches between Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United?
Quetta Gladiators had the advantage before the 2026 meeting, with 12 wins compared with Islamabad United’s 10, while one match was abandoned.
3. What is Quetta Gladiators’ highest score against Islamabad United?
Quetta Gladiators’ highest score is 263/3, achieved in May 2025. They won that match by 109 runs.
4. What is Islamabad United’s highest score against Quetta Gladiators?
Islamabad United’s highest score against Quetta Gladiators is 229/4, scored in February 2022. Islamabad won by 43 runs.
5. Who won the latest Quetta Gladiators vs Islamabad United match?
Islamabad United won the latest meeting in the 2026 PSL, defeating Quetta Gladiators by eight wickets after chasing 184. Islamabad reached 189/2 in 18.2 overs.