Lahore Qalandars emphatically booked their spot in the Pakistan Super League Season 10 final by securing a commanding victory over Islamabad United in Eliminator 2 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Friday. Chasing a challenging target of 203 runs, United’s star-studded batting lineup collapsed to a mere 107 runs in just 15.1 overs.
Middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha was the top-scorer for the three-time champions with 33 runs off 26 balls, followed by skipper Shadab Khan, who contributed 26 runs from 14 deliveries. The rest of their batters failed to reach double figures. For the Qalandars, captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza, and Rishad Hossain each claimed three wickets.
Earlier, Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi’s decision to bat first proved rewarding, as his team’s batting unit posted a formidable total of 202/8 in 20 overs. The hosts, however, had a contrasting start to their innings, losing experienced opener Fakhar Zaman (12) in the second over with only 13 runs on the scoreboard.
Following the early setback, Naeem and Abdullah Shafique forged a crucial 70-run partnership for the second wicket, during which Naeem also brought up his third PSL half-century. The opening batter, however, soon fell victim to Imad Wasim in the ninth over, walking back to the pavilion after scoring a 25-ball 50, laced with seven fours and two sixes. Shafique followed suit 15 balls later, dismissed courtesy of a sensational catch by United captain Shadab Khan off James Neesham’s bowling. The right-handed batter managed a cautious 25 runs off 24 deliveries, with the help of three boundaries.
Following these consecutive dismissals, Kusal Perera took charge of the Qalandars’ batting effort and significantly boosted their total with aggressive hitting. The left-handed batter top-scored for the home side with 61 runs off 35 balls before being bowled by Tymal Mills in the final over. He was also involved in crucial partnerships with compatriot Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Asif Ali, who made notable contributions of 22 and 15 runs, respectively.
Mills was the standout bowler for the United, taking three wickets for 42 runs in his four overs. Salman Irshad provided good support with two wickets, while Neesham and Imad secured one scalp each.
Earlier in the match, Lahore Qalandars won the toss and elected to bat first against Islamabad United. Both teams, holding two and three PSL titles respectively, are now fully prepared to contend for a place in the final against Quetta Gladiators on May 25.
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 and Naseem Shah (both platinum), Azam Khan and Imad Wasim (both diamond), Haider Ali, Salman Ali Agha and Ben Dwarshuis (all gold), Rumman Raees, Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Irshad (all silver), Hunain Shah and Saad Masood (both emerging), Mohammad Faiq, Sahibzada Farhan, Muhammad Shahzad, Alex Hales, Rassie van der Dussen, James Neesham, Tymal Mills and Riley Meredith (all supplementary).
