Qalandars rout Gladiators to get on PSL X point table

ISLAMABAD: Lahore Qalandars cantered to an overwhelming 79 runs win against Quetta Gladiators at Rawalpindi Stadium Sunday evening to get on the points table in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season X.

Qalandars hit up 219 for 4 with Gladiators managing just 140 before being bowled out in 16.2 overs.

Fakhar Zaman (67) and Sam Billings (50 not out) smashed powerful half centuries to see Lahore Qalandars hitting up a big target for Gladiators to chase.

Billings struck two sixes on the last two of the Faheem Ashraf deliveries to finish off Qalandars on a high. His 19-ball half century was studded with four sixes and as many fours.

It was, however, Fakhar who gave a real impetus to Qalandars innings with a breezy knock studded with seven fours and three sixes. Together with Abdullah Shafique (37) he put on 56 runs for the third wicket and then innings building 80 for the third wicket in just seven overs with Daryl Mitchel (37) to ensure Qalanders cross 200.

The New Zealander played at ease and was seen in ruthless striking form. Abdullah Shafique also played a quick innings to help Qalanders wrest early initiative.

Shaheen Shah Afridi (2-6) then removed Gladiators top-order to left them reeling at 9 for 3 before Rilee Rossouw (44) Khushal Mendis (28) gave some respectability to the innings. Rishad Hossain (3-31) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (2-6) were the pick of Lahore Qalandars bowlers.

Score: Lahore Qalandars 219 for 4 in 20 overs (Fakhar Zaman 67, Sam Billings 50. Abdullah Shafique 37, Daryl Mitchell 37, Abrar Ahmad 2-33)

Lahore Qalandars 140 all out in 16.2 overs (Rilee Rossouw 44, Khushal Mendis 28, Rishad Hossain 3-31, Shaheen Shah 2-6, Sikandar Raza 2-12),

Man of the Match: Fakhar Zaman