Lahore Qalandars Beats Islamabad United by 88 Runs in HBL PSL X

In an impressive display of cricketing might, the Lahore Qalandars won the Match 19 of HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) X by 88 runs as they thrashed the Islamabad United at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. This win, apart from, seeing off Islamabad United’s remarkable 14 consecutive win streak, also took the Badshahs to the second place on the PSL points table.
Lahore Qalandars’ Batting Brilliance
Choosing to bat, Lahore Qalandars piled up a total of 209/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Fakhar Zaman anchored the innings with a bangalored 44 off 30, building on by putting in solid platform with Mohammad Naeem scoring 25 runs. Middle order backed the statement with 28 from Daryl Mitchell and 22 from Abdullah Shafique. The stand out show of the innings came in the death overs from Sikandar Raza and Sam Billings. Raza hit 39 from 17 balls while Billings made 38 from 17 not out. Their brutal stroke play took lahore to their second highest score in the tourney.
Islamabad United’s Struggle in the Chase
Chasing a demanding total of 210, Islamabad United’s chase was not going well from the beginning. However, notwithstanding a promising 69-run stand between Andries Gous (41 off 27) and Salman Ali Agha (36 off 25), the team self-dismantled themselves, losing nine for just 41 runs in 44 balls. Batting line-up of the side collapsed under pressure, reaching a total of 121 in 16.5 overs bowled out.
Stellar Bowling by Qalandars
Lahore bowlers put up a clinical show to collapse Islamabad top and middle order. Haris Rauf did the bulk of the damage with a 4 for 31. Sikandar Raza supported the effort with three wickets for 20 runs to demonstrate his all-rounder’s talent. Tom Curran also picked up a wicket to prevent Islamabad from getting forward and play freely in the chase..
Match Summary
• Lahore Qalandars: 209/6 (20 overs)
Fakhar Zaman: 44 (30)
Sikandar Raza: 39 (17)
Sam Billings: 38* (17)
• Islamabad United: 121 all out (16.5 overs)
Andries Gous: 41 (27)
Salman Ali Agha: 36 (25)
• Certificate: Lahore Qalandars have won by 88 runs
• Player of the Match: Sikandar Raza (39 runs & 3 wickets)
Implications for the Tournament
This emphatic win has a huge bearing on the PSL standings. Lahore Qalandars’ better net run rate boosts their destiny for the playoffs while Islamabad United is set for a tough task to regroup after their first defeat in over a year. The was a new showcase for Lahore’s bid on taking part as top contenders for the PSL X title.
Looking Ahead
Lahore Qalandars will look to carry momentum of the recent shows into the next games, casting a complete performance. However, Islamabad United has a lot of thinking to do in order to come back in the tournament. Fans of the Cricket are looking forward to more thrill as PSL X moves on.