Lahore-Quetta PSL clash abandoned over dust storm, rain

LAHORE: The much-anticipated 21st match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 between Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators was abandoned due to a dust storm followed by persistent rain at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday evening.

Both teams were awarded one point each, bolstering their positions in the tournament standings. With this result, Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators now have nine points apiece, with the Qalandars holding second place and the Gladiators in third. Islamabad United remain at the top of the table with 10 points.

After winning the toss, Quetta Gladiators captain opted to field first. The Qalandars’ innings got off to a rocky start when opener Fakhar Zaman was dismissed for a duck in just the third ball of the match, caught off Khurram Shahzad’s bowling. However, the Qalandars recovered spectacularly through a brilliant 102-run partnership between Mohammad Naeem and Abdullah Shafique. Naeem reached his half-century, scoring 50 off 30 deliveries including three fours and four sixes before falling on the final ball of the 10th over.

Abdullah Shafique continued his impressive form, remaining unbeaten on 53 off 32 balls with three fours and three sixes. Daryl Mitchell, who came in at number four, managed just 3 runs before becoming the third wicket to fall at the team total of 111.

It was during Abrar Ahmed’s over, on the third ball of the 12th over when Mitchell was dismissed, that a sudden dust storm hit the venue, drastically reducing visibility and forcing the umpires to halt play.

The dust storm was soon followed by rain, which continued unabated despite repeated inspections by the officials.

The match officials waited until 10:23 pm before officially calling off the match, with rain continuing to pour and less than an hour remaining until the cut-off time. Despite some fans staying behind hoping for a resumption, the conditions remained unfavorable for play to continue.

The cut-off time for a reduced five-over contest was set at 11:18 pm but with persistent rain, the outfield could not be prepared in time, leading to the abandonment.

For Lahore Qalandars, playing at their home ground, this result maintains their unbeaten run at Gaddafi Stadium this season, while Quetta Gladiators will be satisfied to leave Lahore with a point despite not being able to complete their bowling innings.