Rawalpindi, May 18, 2025 — Lahore Qalandars delivered a dominant performance to crush Peshawar Zalmi by 26 runs in a rain-affected match of PSL Season 10, securing their spot in the playoffs with flair.
The encounter, played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, was reduced to 13 overs per side due to weather conditions, but the Qalandars made every ball count.
Batting first, Lahore Qalandars posted an imposing total of 149/8. Their openers set the tone early, with Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Naeem blasting 54 runs in just 3.4 overs. Fakhar led the charge with a blistering 60 off 36 balls, smashing 10 boundaries, including three sixes. Naeem chipped in with a quick 22 before falling to Daniel Sams.
Despite a middle-order collapse triggered by Zalmi’s bowling duo of Sams and Ahmed Daniyal, brief contributions from Kusal Perera, Asif Ali, and skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi helped Lahore Qalandars reach a challenging total. Sams, Daniyal, and Ali claimed two wickets each for Zalmi.
In response, Peshawar Zalmi faltered under pressure. Chasing 150 in just 13 overs, they managed only 123/8. Lower-order batters Daniel Sams (26*) and Ahmed Daniyal (24) fought valiantly, but the top order failed to make any significant impact. Even Zalmi’s captain Babar Azam could only muster 16 runs.
Lahore Qalandars’ bowling attack was ruthless. Debutant Mirza starred with a sensational 4/31, rattling Zalmi’s middle order. Shaheen Shah Afridi led from the front with two crucial wickets, while Sikandar Raza and Haris Rauf took one wicket apiece.
This defeat marked a historic low for Peshawar Zalmi, as they failed to qualify for the PSL playoffs for the first time in the tournament’s history.
With this commanding victory, Lahore Qalandars not only booked their playoff berth but also sent a strong message to the other contenders. Their well-balanced squad, explosive batting, and fiery bowling have made them serious title challengers.
The momentum now firmly lies with the Lahore Qalandars as they eye a deep run into the playoffs, hungry for PSL glory once again.