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LAHORE: All-round Lahore Qalandars overwhelmed defending champions Islamabad United by 95 runs in the Eliminator 2 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.
Chasing a daunting target of 203 runs, Islamabad United crumbled under pressure and were bundled out on a meager 107 in just 15.1 overs.
Islamabad United started poorly in the pursuit as Qalandars’ opening bowlers dismantled their top order, reducing them to 12-3 in only 3.2 overs.
Inform, Sahibzada Farhan was the first to go as Salman Mirza castled him with a beauty. The makeshift opener Muhammad Shahzad could not make an impact as he was sent packing, thanks to Shaheen Afridi, who left United two down for three runs.
South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen came in but had a short stay at the crease was short, departing after scoring seven runs.
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With early wickets, it was expected that the experienced duo of Imad Wasim and Salman Agha would steady Islamabad United in the chase, however, the former fell on the penultimate ball of the powerplay.
Imad scratchy 8 off 10 ended, thanks to Mirza again, leaving United reeling at 33-4.
The early setbacks had Islamabad United searching for solutions, which Salman and captain Shadab Khan briefly addressed with a 39-run partnership.
Both batters were looking good as they scored 18 off Rishad Hossain’s bowling in the ninth over, bringing the score to 56.
However, just when United were set to launch, top-scorer Salman was caught, scoring 33 off 26 balls, laced with a six and four boundaries.
Rishad struck again in the 13th over, claiming wickets of Shadab Khan (26 off 14 balls, three sixes) and James Neesham (8 off five balls), leaving Islamabad United seven down for 95.
It was only a matter of time in front of a dominant bowling display from the home team as Shaheen Afridi wrapped up the innings, picking up Haider Ali’s wicket.
For Lahore Qalandars, it was a clinical bowling effort as Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza and Rishad Hossain picked three wickets each that led them three times champions to PSL 10 final.
Earlier, Mohammad Naeem’s sparkling half-century, followed by Kusal Perera’s knock, led Lahore Qalandars to a formidable total
Opting to bat first, Lahore Qalandars posted 202 for the loss of eight wickets in their allocated 20 overs.
The home team was jolted with an early blow as they lost their opener, Fakhar Zaman only in the second over. The left-handed batter departed after scoring 12 off 11 balls with the help of three fours.
However, Mohammad Naeem stitched a 70-run stand with Abdullah Shafique, bringing the score to 83 at the end ninth over. Naeem was the core aggressor while Shafique kept one end firm.
The notable highlight of the powerplay was Naseem Shah’s fifth over, during which Naeem amassed 18 runs. The opener, removed soon after completing his brisk half century, struck two sixes and seven boundaries.
Despite the wicket, Lahore Qalandars kept the scoring rate high as they crossed the 100-run mark through the halfway stage of the innings. Abdullah Shafique (25 off 24 balls) was caught, courtesy of Shadab Khan’s excellent catch at mid off.
The wicket brought Bhanuka Rajapaksa to the crease, who partnered with his countryman Kusal Perera, taking Qalandars into a commanding position. The Sri Lankan duo forged a vital 51-run stand, bringing the total to 151 in 16.2 overs.
Perera was the core aggressor while Rajapaksa played second fiddle for his 22 of 13 balls, laced with two fours and a six.
The Qalandars kept on scoring runs as Perera reached his half-century. Asif Ali also contributed with his 7-ball 15, striking back-to-back sixes in Salman Irshad’s over, before getting dismissed.
The scorecard read 189-5 in the 18.4 as Qalandars eyed to go past 210; however, it was the 20th over, which brought three wickets, giving Islamabad United a sigh of relief. Kusal Perera, who top scored with 61 off 35 deliveries, peppered with two sixes and seven fours, was the first to go.
Shakib Al Hasan was caught as well on duck, but Rishad Hossain struck a boundary to take Qalandars past 200 before being run out on the last ball of the innings.
For Islamabad United, Tymal Mills starred with the ball, taking three for 42 in his four overs, while Salman Irshad picked up two wickets.
PLAYING XIs
Lahore Qalandars: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Shakib Al Hasan, Fakhar Zaman, Kusal Perera, Haris Rauf, Abdullah Shafique, Asif Ali, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Salman Mirza, Rishad Hossain, Mohammad Naeem (E).
Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (c), Naseem Shah, Imad Wasim, Salman Ali Agha, Salman Irshad, Sahibzada Farhan, Muhammad Shahzad, Rassie van der Dussen, James Neesham, Tymal Mills, Haider Ali
