Lahore Qalandars marched into the final of Pakistan Super League Season 10 with a dominant win over Islamabad United. The thrilling Eliminator 2 clash was held at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Friday night.
Batting first, Lahore Qalandars posted a solid total of 202 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Their innings started shakily. Opener Fakhar Zaman was dismissed early for just 12 runs in the second over, leaving the hosts at 13 for 1.
After the early setback, Naeem and Abdullah Shafique built a strong partnership. They added 70 crucial runs for the second wicket. Naeem played a fiery knock, reaching his third PSL fifty. His 25-ball 50 included seven fours and two sixes. He fell to Imad Wasim in the ninth over.
Shafique stayed a bit longer but scored a cautious 25 off 24 balls. His innings ended due to a brilliant catch by Shadab Khan off James Neesham’s bowling.
Kusal Perera then took control of the innings. The aggressive left-hander top-scored for Lahore Qalandars with 61 runs off 35 deliveries. His knock kept the scoreboard ticking. He hit powerfully before getting bowled by Tymal Mills in the last over. Perera also stitched key partnerships with Bhanuka Rajapaksa (22) and Asif Ali (15), helping Qalandars push past the 200 mark.
For Islamabad, Mills was the most successful bowler. He picked up three wickets for 42 runs. Salman Irshad grabbed two, while Neesham and Imad took one each.
Chasing 203, Islamabad United completely collapsed. Their powerful batting line-up was dismissed for a mere 107 runs in just 15.1 overs. Only Salman Ali Agha showed some resistance with a 26-ball 33. Shadab Khan added 26 from 14, but no other batter reached double figures.
Lahore Qalandars’ bowlers dominated the game. Shaheen Shah Afridi led from the front. He claimed three wickets, just like Salman Mirza and Rishad Hossain. Their combined effort crushed Islamabad’s hopes of reaching the final.
Lahore Qalandars, now eyeing a third PSL trophy, will face Quetta Gladiators in the grand finale on May 25. Their stunning win in this knockout clash proves once again why Lahore Qalandars are among the top contenders in the league.
