KARACHI, April 18, 2026 – Defending champions Lahore Qalandars kept their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 campaign alive with a commanding 32-run victory over Rawalpindiz on Saturday, eliminating their opponents from the tournament at the National Bank Stadium.
Chasing a challenging target of 211, Rawalpindiz were restricted to 178 for nine in their 20 overs as Lahore’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to secure their third win of the season.
Rawalpindiz stumbled early in the chase when captain Shaheen Shah Afridi struck twice in a fiery opening spell, removing Shahzaib Khan and skipper Mohammad Rizwan inside the first three overs to leave the side reeling at 17 for two.
Daryl Mitchell and Yasir Khan attempted to rebuild the innings, stitching together a 71-run partnership that briefly revived hopes. Yasir led the counterattack with a fluent 58 off 29 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes, while Mitchell contributed 11.
However, the momentum shifted decisively when Haris Rauf dismissed both batters in quick succession, triggering a collapse. Lahore’s bowlers tightened their grip, with Sikandar Raza, Usama Mir and Daniel Sams chipping in with key wickets as Rawalpindiz slipped to 110 for six.
Saad Masood provided late resistance with a spirited 54 off 26 deliveries, but his effort proved insufficient as Rauf returned to claim his third wicket in the final over, sealing the victory.
Earlier, Lahore Qalandars posted a formidable 210 for four after opting to bat first, powered by a dominant opening stand between Mohammad Farooq and Fakhar Zaman.
The pair laid a strong foundation with a 121-run partnership, scoring freely in the powerplay and maintaining the tempo through the middle overs. Farooq struck 63 off 41 balls, including five fours and five sixes, before being dismissed by Mohammad Amir.
Fakhar anchored the innings with a commanding 84 off 54 deliveries, registering his 25th PSL half-century and guiding Lahore past the 150-run mark. Abdullah Shafique added a brisk 26, contributing to a 70-run stand with Fakhar.
Late fireworks from Asif Ali, who smashed two sixes in the final over to remain unbeaten on 14, pushed Lahore beyond the 200-run mark.
For Rawalpindiz, Mohammad Amir and Razaullah picked up two wickets each but struggled to contain Lahore’s aggressive batting lineup.
The result strengthens Lahore Qalandars’ position in the tournament standings, while Rawalpindiz bow out after failing to defend their playoff hopes.