The keyword “Qalandars vs Gladiators” set Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium alight as Lahore Qalandars roared back to form with a commanding 79-run win over Quetta Gladiators in the fourth match of HBL PSL X. Power-packed batting, sharp spin bowling, and aggressive intent helped Qalandars secure their first win of the tournament on Sunday night.
Fakhar, Billings Lead the Charge
After losing an early wicket to Abrar Ahmed, Lahore Qalandars rebounded with a solid 56-run partnership between Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique. Abdullah smashed a quick 37 off 21 balls, setting the platform for a dominant batting show.
Fakhar took control, hammering 67 runs off 39 deliveries, including seven boundaries and three sixes. He found strong support from Daryl Mitchell, who contributed 37 runs off 23 balls. Together, they added 80 runs in just 42 balls, accelerating the innings and frustrating the Gladiators’ bowling attack.
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Billings Sparks Late-Over Carnage
Sam Billings delivered a late-innings masterclass. Coming in at number six in the 16th over, he smashed an unbeaten 50 off just 19 balls. With four fours and four sixes, Billings helped Lahore Qalandars cross the 200-run mark for the 12th time in HBL PSL history.
Qalandars finished their innings at 219 for 6 in 20 overs, marking their third-highest total in PSL history.
Gladiators Collapse Under Pressure
Quetta Gladiators had a nightmare start to their chase. They crumbled to 9 for 3 within three overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Saud Shakeel and Finn Allen with sheer pace and swing, while Asif Afridi sent Hasan Nawaz packing.
Although Rilee Rossouw and Kusal Mendis briefly revived hope with a 45-run stand in just 18 balls, the resistance was short-lived. Rossouw hammered 44 off 19 balls, while Mendis added 28 from 14. However, Haris Rauf’s sharp pace removed Mendis in the sixth over, and the collapse resumed.
Spinners Seal the Deal
Qalandars’ spinners took full control of the middle overs. Rishad Hussain starred with figures of 3 for 31, removing key batters including Rossouw, Mohammad Amir, and Abrar Ahmed. Sikandar Raza was economical and lethal, picking up 2 for 12, while Asif Afridi claimed 2 for 20, wrapping up the innings by dismissing Faheem Ashraf.
The Gladiators were bowled out for just 140 in 16.2 overs, falling short by a massive margin.
Fakhar Named Player of the Match
For his explosive 67-run knock that set the tone for Qalandars’ dominance, Fakhar Zaman earned the Player of the Match award.
With this emphatic win, Lahore Qalandars have bounced back in style, gaining momentum early in HBL PSL X. Their next challenge will be to maintain consistency as the tournament progresses.
All eyes now turn to Monday night’s fixture, where Islamabad United will face Peshawar Zalmi in what promises to be another exciting clash.
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