Qalandars Humble United to Seal PSL Final Berth

News Desk

Islamabad: Lahore Qalandars stormed into the final of the tenth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL X) with a thumping 95-run win over Islamabad United in Eliminator 2 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

The defending champions set up a high-octane clash with Quetta Gladiators in Sunday’s final, also to be held at the iconic Lahore venue.

Batting first after winning the toss, Qalandars posted a formidable total of 202 for 6. Despite the early loss of Fakhar Zaman (12), Mohammad Naeem and Abdullah Shafique steadied the innings. Naeem struck a fluent 50, featuring seven boundaries and two sixes, while Shafique added a valuable 25.

Kusal Perera top-scored with a blazing 61 off 35 deliveries, hitting seven fours and two sixes. Late cameos from Bhanuka Rajapaksa (22 off 13) and Asif Ali (15 off 7) propelled the team past the 200-mark. Shakib Al Hasan and Rishad Hossain remained unbeaten at the end.

Tymal Mills was the standout bowler for Islamabad, claiming 3 wickets for 42 runs. Salman Irshad (2-40), Imad Wasim (1-16), and James Neesham (1-7) chipped in with wickets, while skipper Shadab Khan and Salman Ali Agha went wicketless.

In response, Islamabad United collapsed under pressure, bowled out for just 107 in 15.4 overs. Apart from Salman Ali Agha (33) and Shadab Khan (26), no batter could make a meaningful contribution. The rest of the line-up faltered against Lahore’s disciplined bowling attack.

Shaheen Shah Afridi delivered a stunning spell, taking 3 wickets for just 3 runs. Salman Mirza (3-16) and Rishad Hossain (3-34) also ripped through the batting order, sharing nine wickets among them.

With this dominant win, Lahore Qalandars advance to their third consecutive PSL final, aiming to secure their third title in front of a home crowd.