Lahore Qalandars bounced back strongly in the HBL Pakistan Super League PSL 10 with a massive 79-run win over Quetta Gladiators. The match took place on Sunday at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where Lahore dominated with both bat and ball.
After losing their early matches, Lahore needed a big performance to regain momentum. Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen Shah Afridi delivered exactly that. Fakhar’s explosive half-century set up a big total, while Shaheen led the charge with the ball.
Fakhar, Billings Anchor a Powerful Qalandars Innings
Quetta won the toss and opted to bowl first. However, Lahore’s openers came out aggressively. Fakhar and Mohammad Naeem added 16 runs in the first two overs to give their side a strong start.
Naeem fell early to Abrar Ahmed, but Fakhar continued to attack. His flicked four off Hosein set the tone. Abdullah Shafique then joined Fakhar and smashed three boundaries in an over from Mohammad Amir.
By the end of the powerplay, Lahore were cruising at 60-1. Abdullah scored a quick 37 before Hosein removed him. Fakhar reached his half-century off just 30 balls, keeping the momentum firmly with Lahore.
He and Daryl Mitchell added 79 runs together. Mitchell chipped in with two boundaries and a six off Faheem. Fakhar’s thrilling knock ended at 67, caught at cow corner. Mitchell was stumped shortly after, leaving Lahore at 153-3.
Then came Sam Billings. He launched an all-out assault on Quetta’s bowlers. His unbeaten 54 off 19 balls featured four sixes and four boundaries. The last over went for 20 runs. Lahore ended on a massive 219-6, posting one of the highest totals of this season.
Shaheen, Rishad Rip Through Quetta Batting Line-up
Quetta’s chase got off to a disastrous start. Shaheen dismissed Saud Shakeel in the very first over. Hasan Nawaz departed in the next over, caught brilliantly by Sikandar Raza at cover.
Shaheen returned to remove Finn Allen with an off-cutter. Quetta were reduced to 9-3 within three overs. Kusal Mendis and Rilee Rossouw tried to rebuild. They added 45 quick runs, briefly lifting hopes for a comeback.
Mendis hit two sixes and three fours before Haris Rauf dismissed him with a faint edge. Rossouw smashed four sixes and four boundaries but was bowled by Rishad’s sharp googly in the ninth over.
From there, the collapse began. Shoaib Malik and Akeal Hosein offered brief resistance. However, Raza struck twice in one over, removing both batters and leaving Quetta reeling at 107-7. Rishad then cleaned up the tail. He bowled Mohammad Amir and dismissed Abrar Ahmed in quick succession.
Asif Afridi ended Quetta’s innings by bowling Faheem Ashraf with a full, straight delivery. Quetta were all out for 140 in just 16.2 overs. Lahore sealed a dominant 79-run win.
Score Summary
Lahore Qalandars – 219/6 (20 overs)
Fakhar Zaman 67 (37), Sam Billings 54* (19), Daryl Mitchell 37 (26)
Hosein 2-40, Abrar 2-33
Quetta Gladiators – 140 all out (16.2 overs)
Rilee Rossouw 44 (19), Kusal Mendis 28 (14)
Rishad Hossain 3-31, Shaheen Afridi 2-6, Raza 2-12, Asif Afridi 2-20
Result: Lahore Qalandars won by 79 runs
Player of the Match: Fakhar Zaman
