By our correspondent
LAHORE: In a commanding performance at Lahore’s Quaid-e-Azam Stadium, Lahore Qalandars outclassed Islamabad United by a staggering 95 runs in the second qualifier of Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10, earning their place in the final with authority.
Islamabad, tasked with chasing a daunting target of 203, buckled under pressure and were bowled out for a paltry 107 in just 15.1 overs. Only Salman Agha (33) and skipper Shadab Khan (26) offered any resistance, while the rest of the batting line-up folded cheaply. Key players including Sahibzada Farhan (3), Mohammad Shehzad and Naseem Shah (both dismissed for ducks), Rassie van der Dussen, Imad Wasim, James Neesham, and Haider Ali failed to make any notable contributions.
Lahore’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance, led by Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Rashid Hussein—each claiming three wickets. Salman Mirza’s fiery spell earned him the Player of the Match award.
Earlier, Lahore Qalandars set the tone with the bat, posting a formidable 203 for 8. Opener Koshal Perera smashed 61 off 35 balls, while Mohammad Naeem anchored the innings with a composed 50. Support came from Abdullah Shafiq (25), Raja Pasek (22), Asif Ali (15), and Fakhar Zaman (12), giving Lahore a strong platform. Despite Tymal Mills’ three wickets and Salman Arshad’s two, Islamabad’s bowlers could not contain the flow of runs, leaving their batters with too much to chase.
This defeat marked Islamabad United’s second unsuccessful qualifier in the tournament, having earlier fallen to Quetta Gladiators by 30 runs. Lahore’s comprehensive win now sets up a tantalising final clash against the Quetta side, scheduled for Sunday, 25 May, again at Quaid-e-Azam Stadium. Under the leadership of Shaheen Afridi, Lahore Qalandars are now just one step away from clinching their second PSL title, asserting themselves as the team to beat this season.
