Lahore Qalandars delivered a commanding performance to thrash Islamabad United by 88 runs in PSL X, moving to second place in the standings. A blistering batting display (209-6) followed by a clinical bowling effort (121 all out) sealed a dominant win at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Electing to bat, Lahore’s top order fired in unison, posting their second-highest total of PSL X. Openers Fakhar Zaman (44 off 30) and Mohammad Naeem (25 off 22) set the tone with a 50-run stand, while Abdullah Shafique (22 off 17) kept the momentum going.
Despite Imad Wasim’s economical spell (2-26), the middle order accelerated fiercely. Daryl Mitchell (28 off 18) provided stability before Sikandar Raza (39 off 17) and Sam Billings (38 off 17)* unleashed a brutal assault, smashing 64 runs in the last 23 balls to push Lahore past 200.
Islamabad’s chase started poorly as Shaheen Afridi struck early, claiming his 300th T20 wicket by removing Sahibzada Farhan. Andries Gous (41 off 27) and Salman Ali Agha (36 off 25) briefly resisted with a 69-run stand, but the innings collapsed dramatically thereafter.
Sikandar Raza (3-20) triggered the downfall, dismissing Salman Agha and later cleaning up Shadab Khan and Ben Dwarshuis.
Haris Rauf (4-31), who also reached 300 T20 wickets, ripped through the middle order, including the key wickets of Gous, Jason Holder, and Naseem Shah.
Islamabad lost 9 wickets for just 41 runs, folding for 121 in 16.5 overs.
Key Takeaways
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Player of the Match: Sikandar Raza (39 runs, 3 wickets)
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Haris Rauf’s fiery spell (4-31) decimated United’s chase.
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Imad Wasim (2-26) was the lone bright spot for Islamabad.
With this win, Lahore Qalandars strengthened their playoff hopes, while Islamabad United suffered a heavy dent in their campaign.
Upcoming Fixtures
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Multan Sultans vs Karachi Kings (March 7, 3 PM PKT)
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Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators (March 7, 8 PM PKT)
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