LAHORE: Half-centuries from Mohammad Naeem and Kusal Perera, followed by a well-rounded bowling display, powered Lahore Qalandars to a resounding 95-run triumph over Islamabad United in Eliminator 2 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.
The heavy defeat brought an end to United’s title defence, while the two-time champions Qalandars advanced to the final, where they will face table-toppers Quetta Gladiators in what promises to be a thrilling PSL 10 finale at the same venue on Sunday.
Tasked with chasing a formidable 203-run target, United’s much-vaunted batting line-up collapsed to a modest 107 all out in 15.1 overs.
Middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha was the top scorer for the three-time champions with a 26-ball 33, followed by captain Shadab Khan, who chipped in with 26 off just 14 deliveries. However, the remainder of the batting order failed to reach double figures.
Shaheen strikes the stumps 🔥#ApnaXHai l #HBLPSLX l #IUvLQ pic.twitter.com/4PSJSrjdnS
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) May 23, 2025
For the Qalandars, captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza and Rishad Hossain each claimed three wickets in a dominant bowling performance.
Batting first
Afridi’s decision to bat first after winning the toss proved fruitful, as Lahore’s batting unit posted a competitive 202 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.
The innings began on a shaky note, with experienced opener Fakhar Zaman departing for 12 in just the second over, leaving the hosts on 13 for 1.
In response, Naeem steadied the ship, forming a pivotal 70-run partnership for the second wicket with Abdullah Shafique, during which he notched up his third PSL half-century.
And it’s a wrap on Neesham! #ApnaXHai l #HBLPSLX l #IUvLQ pic.twitter.com/JQEjC4fJZg
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) May 23, 2025
Naeem’s dynamic knock ended in the ninth over, when he was dismissed by Imad Wasim after a brisk 25-ball 50, which featured seven boundaries and two sixes.
The Sri Lankan left-hander top-scored for the Qalandars with a commanding 61 off 35 balls before being bowled by Tymal Mills in the final over.
Perera also shared crucial partnerships with fellow Sri Lankan Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Asif Ali, who made valuable contributions of 22 and 15 runs respectively.
Tymal Mills was the standout performer with the ball for United, taking 3 for 42 in his four-over spell. Salman Irshad supported well with two wickets, while Neesham and Imad claimed one each.
