Lahore Qalandars thrash Islamabad United to book their spot in the PSL 10 final
LAHORE: Explosive half-centuries from Mohammad Naeem and Kusal Perera, combined with a disciplined bowling performance, powered Lahore Qalandars to a massive 95-run triumph over Islamabad United in Eliminator 2 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.
The crushing loss ended Islamabad United’s hopes of defending their title, while Lahore Qalandars, the two-time champions, stormed into the final where they will meet table-toppers Quetta Gladiators on Sunday at the same venue.
Set a challenging target of 203, United’s batting lineup collapsed for just 107 in 15.1 overs.
Salman Ali Agha was the top-scorer with a 26-ball 33, and captain Shadab Khan chipped in with 26 off 14. No other batter managed to reach double digits.
Lahore’s bowling unit was on fire, with Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza, and Rishad Hossain all grabbing three wickets apiece.
Opting to bat first, Lahore Qalandars posted a formidable total of 202/8. Though they lost Fakhar Zaman early for 12, Naeem and Abdullah Shafique steadied the innings with a 70-run partnership.
Naeem smashed a quickfire 50 off just 25 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes, before falling to Imad Wasim. Shafique scored a patient 25 before being dismissed by James Neesham.
Kusal Perera then took charge, hammering a 35-ball 61, and built key partnerships with Bhanuka Rajapaksa (22) and Asif Ali (15) to push the total past 200.
Tymal Mills was the pick of the bowlers for United with 3/42, while Salman Irshad took two wickets and Neesham and Imad claimed one each.
