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Lahore Qalandars, the defending champions, showcased their full strength with a resounding 79-run win over Quetta Gladiators in the fourth match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10, played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
After being asked to bat first, the Qalandars posted a mammoth total of 220 runs, thanks to some explosive batting performances. Their bowlers then followed up with a disciplined and clinical display, bundling out Quetta for just 140 runs in 16.3 overs.
Explosive Batting Sets the Stage
Lahore’s innings didn’t start smoothly as opener Mohammad Naeem was dismissed early by Abrar Ahmed for just 10. However, the setback didn’t slow down the Qalandars, as Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique put on a vital 56-run stand to steady the innings.
Shafique played a breezy knock of 37 off 22 balls, before falling to Akeal Hosein. Fakhar, anchoring the innings confidently, reached his 20th PSL half-century, eventually scoring a fine 67 off 39 deliveries, including 7 boundaries and 2 sixes.
The middle-order contribution came from Daryl Mitchell, who played a composed role, remaining unbeaten on 37 off 28 balls, and building a crucial 80-run partnership with Fakhar.
The real fireworks came at the death from Sam Billings, who launched a brutal assault on the Quetta bowlers. His unbeaten 50 off just 19 balls, laced with 4 sixes and 3 fours, provided the ideal finish, pushing Lahore to a daunting 220/7.
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Quetta’s Bowling Effort Lacks Bite
Despite some bright moments, Quetta’s bowlers struggled to contain Lahore’s aggressive batting lineup. Abrar Ahmed and Akeal Hosein were the most successful bowlers, picking up 2 wickets each. Faheem Ashraf and Usman Tariq managed one wicket apiece, but the inability to check the scoring rate proved costly.
Shaheen Afridi Leads with Early Strikes
In response to the massive target, Quetta had the worst possible start. Lahore’s captain Shaheen Afridi struck in the opening over, removing Saud Shakeel for just 1. He returned shortly after to dismiss Finn Allen for a duck, leaving Quetta reeling at 9-3 within the first four overs.
Asif Afridi also got in on the action early, taking out Hassan Nawaz cheaply. The top order collapse put immense pressure on the middle order.
Brief Resistance by Rossouw and Mendis
Amid the wreckage, Rilee Rossouw and Kusal Mendis attempted to launch a counterattack. The pair added a brisk 45-run stand, with Mendis contributing 28 off 14 balls, before Haris Rauf ended his stay with a sharp delivery.
Rossouw looked in ominous form, hammering 44 off just 19 balls, featuring 4 fours and 4 sixes. However, just as he threatened to change the game, debutant Rishad Hossain struck, claiming his maiden PSL wicket and breaking Quetta’s backbone.
Collapse Continues as Qalandars Seal Big Win
After Rossouw’s dismissal, the Gladiators crumbled under relentless pressure. Sikandar Raza removed Shoaib Malik and Akeal Hosein in a double-strike over. Raza’s clever variations dismantled the lower middle order with ease.
Rishad Hossain returned to grab two more scalps, including Mohammad Amir and Abrar Ahmed, completing a fantastic three-wicket haul in his PSL debut.
The final wickets fell quickly, with Asif Afridi cleaning up the tail, sealing a massive 79-run victory for the Qalandars.
