PSL 2023: Table-topper Lahore Qalandars secure qualifier spot after thumping Islamabad United

Shaheen Shah Afridi-led Lahore Qalandars triumphed over Shadab Khan-led Islamabad United by 119 runs during the 26th fixture of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2023, being played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi today.

During the match, Afghanistan cricketer Rashid Khan bagged four wickets, helping the Qalandars restrict United’s strong batting line to 107-9.

The right-hand batter took four wickets for just 21 runs in his spell of four overs. Zaman Khan and Haris Rauf took two wickets each to further provide assistance to the Qalandars in defending a mammoth target of 227.

United suffered a blow in the first innings as their hard-hitting batter Azam Khan got a finger injury. He couldn't come out to bat tonight.

Alex Hales and Hassan Ali scored 18 runs each.

Earlier, Qalandars opener Fakhar Zaman scored his second hundred as his team scored 226-5.

After deciding to bat first, Qalandars lost opener Abdullah Shafique in the first over. Fazalhaq Farooqi bagged Abdullah with a full-length delivery.

Fakhar and Kamran Ghulam carried the innings from there — and that too in an aggressive mood. Fakhar, already in top form this season, smashed the ball all around the park.

After getting three lifelines — two dropped catches and a successful review — Fakhar scored his second hundred in the tournament. Partnered with Kamran, he scored 122 runs off 62 balls.

Kamran managed to score 41 off 30 before falling to Mohammad Wasim Jr. However, Fakhar did not stop there and partnered with Sam Billings to score 70 runs together.

Fakhar managed to score 115 runs off 57 balls, including eight boundaries and as many sixes. Billings contributed 32 off 22. Rashid Khan's quick 15 runs also helped Qalandars put up a big score.

For United, Farooqi bagged three wickets, while Hassan Ali and Wasim shared a wicket apiece.

Playing XIs

Islamabad United: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Alex Hales, Colin Munro, Shadab Khan (c), Azam Khan (wk), Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Mubasir Khan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Hasan Ali, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Abdullah Shafique, Sam Billings (wk), Hussain Talat, Sikandar Raza, David Wiese, Rashid Khan, Shaheen Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan