In a commanding all-round display, Lahore Qalandars crushed Islamabad United by 88 runs in the 19th match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10, held at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. This emphatic win not only broke Islamabad United’s unbeaten streak but also marked a strong comeback for the Qalandars.
Batting first after being put in, Lahore Qalandars posted an imposing total of 209/6 in their 20 overs. The innings was powered by key contributions from several players. Openers Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Naeem gave the team a strong start, putting up a brisk 50-run partnership. Fakhar scored a fluent 44 off 30 balls, hitting five boundaries and two sixes, while Naeem chipped in with 25 off 22 deliveries.
Following quick dismissals in the middle overs, the Qalandars’ innings was rescued by Sam Billings (38 off 17)* and Sikandar Raza (39 off 17), who launched a late onslaught. Their 64-run partnership for the sixth wicket helped push the total beyond the 200-run mark. Daryl Mitchell also played a valuable role with a 28-run cameo off 18 balls.
Islamabad United, chasing 210, collapsed under pressure and were bowled out for 121 in 16.5 overs. Their innings started poorly with the early loss of Sahibzada Farhan. Though Andries Gous (41 off 27) and Salman Ali Agha (36 off 25) tried to steady the chase with a 69-run partnership, the collapse that followed was dramatic. The team lost its last 8 wickets for just 50 runs.
Lahore’s bowling attack was led by Haris Rauf, who claimed 4 wickets for 31 runs. Sikandar Raza completed a stellar all-round performance by picking up 3 wickets. Tom Curran, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Asif Afridi took a wicket each.
This comprehensive victory serves as a major morale boost for Lahore Qalandars and reinforces Sikandar Raza’s growing reputation as one of the most impactful all-rounders in the league.
