LAHORE: Mohammad Naeem and Kusal Perera produced explosive half-centuries to help the home side Lahore Qalandars post a formidable total against Islamabad United in Eliminator 2 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.
Qalandars skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi’s decision to bat first proved fruitful as his side managed 202 for 8 in their 20 overs.
However, the hosts endured a shaky start, losing seasoned opener Fakhar Zaman for just 12 runs in the second over, with only 13 runs on the board.
In the wake of the early setback, Naeem forged a vital 70-run stand for the second wicket alongside Abdullah Shafique, during which he notched up his third PSL half-century.
Salman Irshad strikes again!
This time it’s Asif Ali who’s got to go. #ApnaXHai l #HBLPSLX l #IUvLQ pic.twitter.com/yb55P38JTt— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) May 23, 2025
Naeem’s enterprising innings came to an end in the ninth over when he was dismissed by Imad Wasim, having scored a rapid 50 from 25 balls, including seven boundaries and two sixes.
Shafique’s dismissal
Shafique departed shortly after, caught brilliantly by United captain Shadab Khan off the bowling of James Neesham. He managed a cautious 25 off 24 deliveries, featuring three fours.
Following the quick dismissals, Kusal Perera took the reins and spearheaded the Qalandars’ batting effort with some aggressive strokeplay
The left-hander top-scored with a blistering 61 off 35 balls before being bowled by Tymal Mills in the final over.
Perera was ably supported by fellow Sri Lankan Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Asif Ali, who chipped in with handy knocks of 22 and 15, respectively.
Mills was the pick of the bowlers for United, claiming three wickets for 42 runs in his four-over spell. Salman Irshad lent good support with two wickets, while Neesham and Imad claimed a wicket each.
