Lahore Qalandars crush Islamabad United by 95 runs to seal spot in PSL X final

Lahore Qalandars have stormed into the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 after thrashing Islamabad United by a massive margin of 95 runs in the second eliminator, played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

Batting first after winning the toss, Lahore Qalandars posted a commanding total of 202 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.

In response, Islamabad United faltered under pressure and were bowled out for a paltry 107 in just 15.1 overs.

 Only Salman Ali Agha (33) and captain Shadab Khan (26) managed to put up a brief resistance.

Shockingly, nine of Islamabad’s batters failed to even reach double figures, reflecting a complete batting collapse.

Lahore’s bowlers were clinical in execution, with Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza, and Rashad Hussain each grabbing 3 wickets.

Their combined efforts ensured a dominant win and a place in the final.

Earlier, Kusal Perera and Mohammad Naeem's fifties powered Lahore Qalandars to set a 203-run target for Islamabad United.

After opting to bat first, Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi’s decision to bat first paid dividends as his team’s batting unit yielded 202/8 in 20 overs.

The hosts, however, had a contrasting start to their innings as they lost experienced opener Fakhar Zaman (12) in the second over with just 13 runs on the board.

Following the early blow, Naeem put together a crucial 70-run partnership for the second wicket with Abdullah Shafique, during which he also brought up his third PSL half-century.

The opening batter, however, soon fell victim to Imad Wasim in the ninth over and walked back after scoring a 25-ball 50, laced with seven fours and two sixes.

Shafique followed suit 15 balls later, courtesy of a sensational catch by United captain Shadab Khan off James Neesham.

The right-handed batter could muster a cautious 25 off 24 deliveries with the help of three boundaries.

Following the back-to-back dismissals, Kusal Perera took charge of Qalandars’ batting expedition and bolstered their total with belligerent hitting.

The left-handed batter top-scored for the home side with a 35-ball 61 until getting cleaned up 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, scoring 22 and 15, respectively.

Mills was the standout bowler for the United, taking three wickets for 42 runs in his four overs.

Salman Irshad played a supportive role with two wickets, while Neesham and Imad made one scalp apiece.

Playing XIs 

Islamabad United: Sahibzada Farhan, Rassie van der Dussen, Haider Ali, Agha Salman, *Shadab Khan, James Neesham, Imad Wasim, Tymal Mills, Naseem Shah, Muhammad Shahzad, Salman Irshad.
 
Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, +Kusal Perera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Asif Ali, Shakib Al Hasan, *Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Rishad Hossain, Salman Mirza.