LAHORE: In a thrilling display of dominance, Lahore Qalandars confirmed their place in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 final after demolishing Islamabad United by a staggering 95 runs in Eliminator 2, played at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.
Batting first after winning the toss, Lahore Qalandars posted a commanding total of 202 for 8, thanks to explosive batting performances from Kusal Perera and Mohammad Naeem. Despite an early setback with Fakhar Zaman departing for 12 in the second over, Naeem steadied the innings with a crucial 70-run stand alongside Abdullah Shafique. Naeem scored a fiery 50 off just 25 balls, peppered with seven fours and two sixes, before falling to Imad Wasim.
Shafique added 25 runs before being dismissed by a sharp catch from Islamabad skipper Shadab Khan off James Neesham’s bowling. Perera then took center stage, smashing 61 off 35 balls and anchoring the innings. Valuable support came from Bhanuka Rajapaksa (22) and Asif Ali (15), pushing the total past the 200-mark. Tymal Mills was the pick of Islamabad United’s bowlers, claiming 3 for 42, while Salman Irshad bagged two wickets.
In reply, Islamabad United crumbled under pressure. Chasing 203, they collapsed for just 107 in 15.1 overs. Apart from Salman Ali Agha (33) and Shadab Khan (26), the rest of the batting lineup failed to make any impact. None of the remaining batters managed to reach double figures as Lahore Qalandars’ bowling attack ran riot.
Skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza, and Rishad Hossain each took three wickets, dismantling Islamabad’s resistance and sending the Qalandars’ supporters into a frenzy. The Qalandars’ all-round brilliance with bat and ball ensured their place in the grand final of PSL 10.
This victory marks the fourth final appearance for Lahore Qalandars, who will now face Quetta Gladiators on May 25 for the championship title. With their form peaking at the right time, Lahore Qalandars will be looking to add another trophy to their cabinet. Meanwhile, Islamabad United, despite boasting a strong squad, bow out of the tournament disappointed after failing to match Lahore’s intensity and precision.