Cutting took 3-31 to restrict Islamabad to 168 before hitting the winning runs in an undefeated innings of 22, as the Gladiators reached their target at the National Stadium on Thursday.

After being put in to bat, two-time champions Islamabad were bowled out for 168 with Quetta's three-man pace attack comprising Mohammad Hasnain (4-25), Cutting and Sohail Khan (2-21) doing the damage.

The Australian got the key wicket of top-scorer Dawid Milan (64) in the 15th over.

In reply, the Gladiators ran into trouble losing Jason Roy (0), Australian Shane Watson (15) and Ahmed Shehzad inside the first five overs to be 3-26.

But Azam Khan, son of former Pakistan captain Moin Khan, steadied the ship with 59 off 33 balls before Cutting ended the match with a six, with nine balls remaining.

A packed crowd of 33,000 was present as Pakistan's premier domestic event returned home in its entirety after four years.

Peshawar Zalmi, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans are the other franchises competing in the tournament.

Four major cities - Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi - will host all 34 matches over a period of 32 days. Lahore will host 14 matches, including the final at Gaddafi Stadium on March 22.

Australian Associated Press