Lahore set PSL record 202-run target for Quetta

DUBAI: Three breezy fifties enabled Lahore Qalandars to post a mammoth total of 201 for two against Quetta Gladiators in the 18th Twenty20 match of the Pakistan Super League here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Quetta Gladiators captain Sarfraz Ahmed had to pay a heavy price for putting Lahore Qalandars into bat first after winning the toss.

Lahore openers Chris Gayle and captain Azhar Ali lashed the baton-charge right from the beginning as they set a record opening stand of 108 runs before
Gayle departed.

He smashed a 34-ball 60 with six towering sixes and three fours. This is strange to note that he had made a total of only 43 runs off 34 balls in his four previous matches.

His partner Azhar scored 61 off 45 balls with seven fours and two sixes and later Umar Akmal, batting one-down, also played an unbeaten brisk innings of 55 from 25 balls with four sixes and as many fours.

Darren Bravo also remained not out, on 20 from 17 balls with three fours.

For Quetta Gladiators, Zulfiqar Babar and Grant Elliott took one wicket each.