Lahore Qalandars Crush Islamabad United by 95 Runs to Reach PSL X Final
LAHORE — Lahore Qalandars secured a commanding 95-run victory over Islamabad United in the Eliminator 2 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday, storming into the final against Quetta Gladiators scheduled for Sunday.
Qalandars Set a Strong Target
Electing to bat first, Lahore posted a challenging total of 202-6. Despite an early wicket of Fakhar Zaman (12), Mohammad Naeem anchored the innings with a fluent 50 off boundaries and sixes, while Kusal Perera dazzled with a quick 61 off 35 balls. Contributions from Abdullah Shafique (25), Bhanuka Rajapaksa (22), and Asif Ali (15) helped build a competitive total.
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United Collapse Under Pressure
Chasing 203, Islamabad United faltered spectacularly, being bowled out for just 107 inside 16 overs. Only Salman Ali Agha (33) and captain Shadab Khan (26) managed to resist the Qalandars’ relentless bowling attack.
The rest of the batting lineup collapsed, with several players dismissed for single-digit scores, including Sahibzada Farhan (3), Rassie van der Dussen (7), and Imad Wasim (8).
Bowling Brilliance by Qalandars
Lahore’s bowlers dominated the innings. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza, and Rishad Hossain shared nine wickets between them, delivering a clinical performance that dismantled United’s batting order.
Match Highlights
- Top Performers with Bat: Mohammad Naeem (50), Kusal Perera (61), Salman Ali Agha (33)
- Best Bowlers: Shaheen Shah Afridi (3-3), Salman Mirza (3-16), Rishad Hossain (3-34), Tymal Mills (3-42)
- Next Up: Lahore Qalandars will face Quetta Gladiators in the PSL 10 final at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, May 25.
This victory marks a strong statement by Lahore Qalandars as they eye their first PSL title, while Islamabad United’s campaign comes to an abrupt end.
