Quetta Gladiators beaten in Lahore Qalandars encounter

LAHORE: Lahore Qalandars held their nerve in a tense last-over finish to defeat Quetta Gladiators in the 30th match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Tuesday.

Chasing a target of 198, Quetta Gladiators were restricted to 188 for 7 despite a strong start and solid batting efforts.

The chase began brightly as openers Shamyl Hussain and captain Saud Shakeel put together a fluent 49-run stand. Sikandar Raza broke the partnership by dismissing Saud for 17 off 17 balls. Shamyl then anchored the innings with Rilee Rossouw, taking the score past 50 before continuing his fine form with a third PSL fifty.

Shamyl was eventually run out for a superb 53 off 31 deliveries, which included five fours and three sixes. The momentum briefly shifted when Haris Rauf removed Hasan Nawaz for a first-ball duck on the very next delivery.

Rossouw kept Quetta in the hunt with a blazing knock, reaching his 13th PSL fifty. He scored 62 off just 29 balls, hitting five fours and five sixes, before falling to Ubaid Shah. Despite brief resistance from Khawaja Nafay and Abrar Ahmed, wickets kept falling at regular intervals.

Needing 19 runs off the final over, Quetta could not complete the chase as Haris Rauf bowled a tight over to seal the win for Lahore Qalandars. Abrar Ahmed remained unbeaten on 24 off 14 balls, but it was not enough to take his side home.

Earlier, Lahore Qalandars posted a strong total of 197 for 6 after being put in to bat. Fakhar Zaman starred with a brilliant 103 off 51 balls, smashing 11 fours and six sixes to anchor the innings. He shared key partnerships with Abdullah Shafique and Charith Asalanka, both of whom made useful contributions.

Asalanka scored 31 off 24 balls before being dismissed, while Sikandar Raza and others chipped in late as Lahore crossed the 190 mark. Quetta’s bowling attack was led by Khalil Ahmed and Usman Tariq, who picked up key wickets.

Fakhar Zaman was named Player of the Match for his outstanding century that laid the foundation for Lahore Qalandars’ victory.