KARACHI – Defending champions Lahore Qalandars delivered a commanding performance in the 28th fixture of PSL 11 on Saturday, overpowering Rawalpindiz by 32 runs at the National Bank Stadium. The victory not only marked their third win of the season but also sealed Rawalpindiz’s exit from the tournament.
After being asked to bat first, Lahore Qalandars piled up a strong total of 210 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs, built on a dominant opening stand. Mohammad Farooq and Fakhar Zaman set the tone early, punishing the opposition attack with fluent stroke play and aggressive intent. The pair raced past the 50-run mark inside the powerplay, putting immediate pressure on the bowling unit.
Farooq led the charge with a superb 63 off 41 deliveries, striking five boundaries and as many sixes before Mohammad Amir broke the 121-run partnership in the 11th over. Fakhar Zaman, however, remained steady at the other end, anchoring the innings with remarkable control. The left-hander went on to bring up his 25th PSL half-century, eventually falling after a brilliant 84 off 54 balls, featuring 11 fours and a six.
Late contributions ensured Qalandars finished strongly. Abdullah Shafique added a brisk 26 off 18 balls before Sikandar Raza struck twice in quick succession, removing both Shafique and Sikandar Raza for a duck. In the closing overs, Asif Ali provided the finishing flourish with two consecutive sixes, helping push the total beyond the 200-mark.
In reply, Rawalpindiz never found stability despite brief resistance in the middle overs. Their chase began poorly when Shaheen Afridi removed Shahzaib Khan early, followed by the quick dismissal of captain Mohammad Rizwan in the same over, leaving them reeling at 17 for 2.
A recovery effort from Daryl Mitchell and Yasir Khan brought some hope, with Yasir registering a fine half-century. However, Haris Rauf shifted momentum firmly back in Lahore’s favour by breaking the partnership and then dismissing Yasir in the same over. Mitchell’s stay ended earlier for 11 runs.
Further setbacks followed as wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals. Sam Billings, Dian Forrester, and Colin McConchie all failed to convert starts, while Usama Mir and Daniel Sams added to the pressure with timely breakthroughs.
Saad Masood offered the most resistance for Rawalpindiz, playing a spirited knock of 54 off 26 balls to keep faint hopes alive. But Haris Rauf returned to close out the innings, finishing with three wickets, including Saad’s dismissal in the final over.
Despite a late push, Rawalpindiz were restricted to 178 for 9 in 20 overs, falling well short of the target.
Lahore’s bowling unit shared the spoils effectively. Haris Rauf led with three wickets, while Shaheen Afridi and Usama Mir picked up two each. Daniel Sams and Sikandar Raza contributed with one wicket apiece, completing a disciplined team effort that secured a convincing win and tournament elimination for Rawalpindiz.
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