LAHORE: Lahore Qalandars produced a commanding all-round performance to secure their fourth PSL final appearance with a comprehensive 95-run victory over defending champions Islamabad United in Eliminator-2 at Gaddafi Stadium.
The former champions will now face Quetta Gladiators in Sunday’s final at the same venue.
After posting a formidable 202/8 in their 20 overs, the Qalandars’ bowling attack, spearheaded by captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, dismantled United’s batting lineup for just 107 runs in 15.1 overs, completing the victory with 29 balls to spare.
Lahore’s decision to bat first appeared dubious when in-form opener Fakhar Zaman departed early for 12 off 11 balls (3 fours) in the second over, leaving the score at 13/1.
Mohammad Naeem and Abdullah Shafique orchestrated a crucial 70-run partnership that shifted momentum decisively in Qalandars’ favour. Naeem played with remarkable fluency to register his maiden PSL fifty off just 25 deliveries, an innings decorated with seven fours and two sixes before falling at 83.
Shafique, given a life when dropped on 16, capitalised on his reprieve to contribute 25 off 24 balls with three boundaries, displaying excellent shot selection and running between wickets.
The turning point came with Kusal Perera’s explosive entry at number four. The Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batsman unleashed a batting masterclass, scoring 61 off 35 balls with seven fours and two towering sixes. His partnership with Shafique added 48 runs for the third wicket, maintaining scoring momentum until Shafique’s dismissal at 103 in the 12th over.
Even after losing Shafique, Perera continued his assault alongside Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Their 38-run fourth-wicket partnership saw Rajapaksa contribute a quickfire 22 off 13 balls (2 fours, 1 six) before falling in the 17th over.
Asif Ali provided the crucial late acceleration with a blistering cameo of 15 off just 7 deliveries, striking two sixes to propel the total beyond 200 before falling in the 19th over.
The final two overs witnessed dramatic scenes as Lahore lost four wickets for merely 13 runs. Perera’s dismissal at 197 in the penultimate over triggered a mini-collapse, with Shakib Al Hasan (0) and Rishad Hossain (5) falling quickly. Captain Shaheen Afridi remained unbeaten without facing a delivery.
Despite their efforts, United’s bowlers struggled to contain the Qalandars’ batting onslaught, particularly during the middle overs when Perera and Naeem were in full flow.
Defending champions Islamabad United’s chase never gained momentum as they suffered a spectacular batting collapse against Lahore’s disciplined bowling attack.
Only Agha Salman (33 off 26 balls with 4 fours and a six) and Shadab Khan (26 off 14 balls with 3 sixes) offered meaningful resistance. Their efforts briefly threatened to provide some respectability to the total, but the consistent pressure from Lahore’s bowlers proved too much.
The Qalandars’ bowling attack was nothing short of sensational, with three bowlers claiming three wickets each.
Shaheen Shah Afridi chipped in with three wickets for three runs - it was captain’s performance, exemplary with the new ball. Salman Mirza: 3/16 was also excellent in control and and displayed great wicket-taking ability while Rishad Hossain: 3/34 also proved effective in his spin bowling in middle overs.
The bowling unit’s collective effort restricted United to their lowest total of the tournament, demonstrating the depth and quality of Lahore’s attack.
This comprehensive victory propels Lahore Qalandars (PSL 7 and 8 champions in 2022 and 2023) into their fourth PSL final, where they will face Quetta Gladiators (PSL 4 winners in 2019) on Sunday evening at the same venue.
The 95-run margin of victory represents one of the most dominant performances in PSL playoff history, showcasing Lahore’s credentials as serious title contenders. Their batting depth, led by Perera’s explosive innings and Naeem’s maiden fifty, combined with a devastating bowling display, makes them formidable opponents for the final.
For defending champions Islamabad United, this crushing defeat ends their title defense in disappointing fashion, with their batting unit failing to cope with the pressure of a knockout match.
The stage is now set for an exciting final between two former champions, with Lahore Qalandars carrying tremendous momentum into Sunday’s title decider against Quetta Gladiators.
Brief scores:
Lahore Qalandars 202 for eight in 20 overs (Fakhar Zaman 12, Mohammad Naeem 50, Abdullah Shafique 25, Kusal Perera 61, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Asif Ali 15, Shaheen Afridi not out 0, Shakib Al Hasan 0, Rishad Hossain not out 5; Tymal Mills 3-42, Salman Irshad 2-40, Imad Wasim 1-16, James Neesham 1-7)
Islamabad United 107 for all in 15.1 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 3, Muhammad Shahzad 0, Rassie van der Dussen 7, Agha Salman 33, Imad Wasim 8, Shadab Khan 26, James Neesham 8, Haider Ali 4, Naseem Shah 0, Tymal Mills 7, Salman Irshad ; Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-3 , Salman Mirza 3-16 , Rishad Hossain 3-34)
Lahore Qalandars won by 95 runs
US President explains to senior aides that he wanted to give Iran final chance to step away from its nuclear plans
CJP stresses that foremost priority should be to provide immediate justice to people who approach courts
Justice Afghan asks whether, under Article 200 of Constitution, transfer of judge is permanent or temporary
According to Quetta commissioner, group was brought to Quetta under strict security measures
Justice Mandokhail clarifies that it was not judges but Registrar’s Office that dismissed petition
Brig Ahmed played pivotal role in shaping and in many cases subverting Pakistan’s fragile democratic landscape
