LAHORE: Defending champions and hosts Lahore Qalandars won the toss and opted to bowl first against Quetta Gladiators in the 30th match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.
Playing XIs
Lahore Qalandars: Mohammad Farooq, Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Charith Asalanka, Haseeb Ullah (wk), Sikandar Raza, Daniel Sams, Shaheen Afridi (c), Usama Mir, Ubaid Shah and Haris Rauf.
Quetta Gladiators: Shamyl Hussain, Saud Shakeel (c), Rilee Rossouw, Hassan Nawaz, Brett Hampton, Bevon Jacobs, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Khalil Ahmed, Alzarri Joseph, Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq.
The two sides have developed a tight rivalry, having faced each other 22 times in PSL history. Lahore Qalandars hold a slight advantage with 11 wins, while Quetta Gladiators have secured 10 victories, reflecting how competitive their encounters have been.
Their most recent clash earlier in the tournament saw Quetta emerge victorious by six wickets at the National Bank Stadium. Lahore, batting first on that occasion, were bowled out for 134 in 19.5 overs after a decision to bat did not pay off. Haseebullah Khan led the scoring with 33, while Usama Mir and Fakhar Zaman chipped in with 22 and 20 runs respectively.
Quetta’s bowling attack dominated, with Usman Tariq and Jahandad Khan taking three wickets apiece, while Alzarri Joseph picked up two and Saqib Khan added one.
In response, Quetta chased down the 135-run target with ease, reaching 138 for 4 with 22 balls remaining. Rilee Rossouw anchored the innings with an unbeaten 60 off 49 deliveries, supported by Hasan Nawaz’s brisk 49 from 32 balls.
Lahore Qalandars head into the match after snapping a three-game losing run with a win over Islamabad United and will aim to build momentum in their push for a playoff spot.
Quetta Gladiators, meanwhile, have struggled for consistency, alternating between wins and losses, and will be keen to secure vital points to keep their qualification hopes alive.
