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Lahore Qalandars have stormed into the final of the Pakistan Super League Season 10 after dismantling Islamabad United in Eliminator 2 by a staggering 95 runs at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday.
Qalandars Set Mammoth 203-Run Target
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Shaheen Shah Afridi’s decision proved wise as Lahore Qalandars posted an imposing 202/8 in their allotted 20 overs.
Despite an early setback with Fakhar Zaman departing for just 12 in the second over, Mohammad Naeem and Abdullah Shafique built a stabilizing 70-run stand for the second wicket. Naeem led the charge with an aggressive 50 off 25 deliveries, featuring seven fours and two sixes, before being dismissed by Imad Wasim.
Abdullah Shafique contributed a slower-paced 25 off 24, before falling to James Neesham, courtesy of a superb diving catch by United captain Shadab Khan.
With momentum slightly halted, Kusal Perera reignited the innings with a fluent 61 off 35 balls, striking boundaries at will. His innings included vital partnerships with Bhanuka Rajapaksa (22) and Asif Ali (15) that lifted Qalandars to their final total. Perera was bowled by Tymal Mills in the final over but had already done significant damage.
United’s Bowlers Struggle Under Pressure
Islamabad United’s bowlers found little joy on a batting-friendly pitch. Tymal Mills was the pick of the attack with 3/42, while Salman Irshad supported well with 2/36. James Neesham and Imad Wasim chipped in with a wicket each, but struggled to contain the scoring rate.
Islamabad United Collapse in Run Chase
In response, Islamabad United’s much-vaunted batting lineup crumbled under scoreboard pressure, getting bowled out for a paltry 107 in just 15.1 overs.
Only Salman Ali Agha (33 off 26) and Shadab Khan (26 off 14) offered any resistance, as none of the other batters managed to reach double digits. It was a stark contrast to Qalandars’ composed and powerful performance with the bat.
Shaheen, Mirza, and Rishad Seal the Deal
The Qalandars’ bowling unit fired on all cylinders. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza, and Rishad Hossain each claimed three wickets, dismantling the United’s batting lineup with lethal pace and intelligent variations.
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Shaheen Afridi, leading from the front, struck early and returned at the death to clean up the tail. His leadership and control over proceedings have been pivotal throughout the season.
Road to the Final: Qalandars vs Gladiators
With this emphatic win, Lahore Qalandars booked their spot in the PSL 10 final, where they will clash with Quetta Gladiators on May 25. The Qalandars are aiming to secure their third title, while the Gladiators are also in search of adding another trophy to their cabinet.
Both teams have experienced strong campaigns, but Qalandars’ resurgence in the knockout stage, especially after losing momentum mid-season, has been particularly impressive.
Match Summary
Lahore Qalandars: 202/8 (Kusal Perera 61, Mohammad Naeem 50, Tymal Mills 3/42)
Islamabad United: 107 all out in 15.1 overs (Salman Ali Agha 33, Shadab Khan 26, Shaheen Afridi 3/19, Rishad Hossain 3/28, Salman Mirza 3/27)
Result: Lahore Qalandars won by 95 runs
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Player of the Match: Kusal Perera
Looking Ahead: The Grand Finale
With the final just days away, Lahore Qalandars will need to maintain their intensity and form as they face Quetta Gladiators, who secured their final berth by topping the table and winning the Qualifier.
Both sides are well-matched, featuring explosive batters, world-class bowlers, and shrewd captains. With the stakes higher than ever and a passionate home crowd expected to pack the Gaddafi Stadium, fans are set for a thrilling conclusion to PSL Season 10.
Team Squads
Lahore Qalandars:
Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Shakib Al Hasan, Fakhar Zaman, Kusal Perera, Haris Rauf, Sikandar Raza, Abdullah Shafique, Zaman Khan, Jahandad Khan, Asif Afridi, Asif Ali, Muhammad Akhlaq, Momin Qamar (E), Mohammad Azab (E), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Salman Mirza, Mohammad Naeem (E)
Islamabad United:
Shadab Khan (c), Naseem Shah, Azam Khan, Imad Wasim, Haider Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Ben Dwarshuis, Rumman Raees, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Irshad, Hunain Shah, Saad Masood, Mohammad Faiq, Sahibzada Farhan, Muhammad Shahzad, Alex Hales, Rassie van der Dussen, James Neesham, Tymal Mills, Riley Meredith
