Lahore Qalandars Dominate Islamabad United in PSL 10 Eliminator 2

ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Shaheen Shah Afridi’s men set up a final showdown with Quetta Gladiators after a commanding 95-run victory at Gaddafi Stadium.

Lahore Qalandars stormed into the final of Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 with a commanding 95-run victory over Islamabad United in Eliminator 2 at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday. Chasing a formidable target of 203, Islamabad United were bowled out for just 107 in 15.1 overs, succumbing to the pressure of a disciplined Qalandars bowling attack.

Qalandars’ Batting Dominance

Opting to bat first, Lahore Qalandars posted a challenging total of 202/8 in their 20 overs. Despite an early setback with the dismissal of opener Fakhar Zaman for 12, the Qalandars recovered through a crucial 70-run partnership between Mohammad Naeem and Abdullah Shafique. Naeem’s aggressive knock of 50 off 25 balls, including seven fours and two sixes, anchored the innings. Shafique contributed a steady 25 off 24 balls, maintaining the momentum.

Kusal Perera then took charge, delivering a blistering 61 off 35 balls, featuring five fours and four sixes, to propel the Qalandars to a formidable total. Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Asif Ali provided valuable support, adding 22 and 15 runs respectively. Tymal Mills was the standout bowler for Islamabad United, claiming three wickets for 42 runs in his four overs.

United’s Struggle in the Chase

In response, Islamabad United’s chase faltered early. Only two batters managed to reach double figures, with Salman Ali Agha top-scoring with 33 off 26 balls and captain Shadab Khan contributing 26 off 14 balls. The rest of the lineup failed to make significant contributions, collapsing under the pressure of the Qalandars’ bowlers.

Shaheen Shah Afridi led the bowling attack with precision, claiming three wickets. Salman Mirza and Rishad Hossain also took three wickets each, dismantling the Islamabad United batting lineup.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, Lahore Qalandars have secured their place in the PSL 10 final, where they will face the Quetta Gladiators on Sunday. The Qalandars’ all-round performance in Eliminator 2 has set a high benchmark, and they will be eager to clinch their third PSL title.

Both teams, with two and three PSL titles respectively, are all fired up to secure 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).