Sam Billings smashed a blistering 19-ball half-century, while a disciplined all-round bowling performance helped Lahore Qalandars secure their first win of the tournament, thrashing Quetta Gladiators by 79 runs in the fourth match of the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League in Rawalpindi.
The Gladiators got off to the worst possible start as Shaheen Shah Afridi and Asif Afridi ripped through the top order, reducing the chasing side to 9/3.
Kusal Mendis and Rilee Rossouw launched a brief counterattack, adding 45 runs in just three overs. However, Haris Rauf ended Mendis’ cameo (28 off 14), putting the brakes on the momentum.
Rossouw, continuing the fight, partnered with Shoaib Malik to take the score to 89. The South African looked in ominous touch, scoring a quickfire 44 off just 19 deliveries. But once Rossouw fell, the Qalandars' spinners took control, picking up wickets at regular intervals.
The Gladiators never recovered, losing nine wickets for just 114 runs. Faheem Ashraf offered brief resistance with a 21-run knock, but it wasn’t enough as Quetta were bowled out for 140, suffering a heavy defeat after having won their opening match by 80 runs.
For the Qalandars, Bangladesh’s Rishad Hossain starred with three wickets, while Shaheen, Asif Afridi, and Sikandar Raza chipped in with two apiece.
Earlier, Sam Billings' explosive 19-ball half-century and a composed fifty from Fakhar Zaman powered Lahore Qalandars to a commanding total of 219/6.
After being put in to bat, Lahore Qalandars had a shaky start as Mohammad Naeem was clean bowled by Abrar Ahmed in the third over, putting the side under early pressure.
However, opener Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique steadied the innings with a brisk 56-run partnership, taking the score to 73. Shafique looked well set for his second consecutive half-century of the tournament, but his innings was cut short at 37 when he was caught and bowled by Akeal Hosein.
Fakhar remained composed, reaching his half-century in just 30 balls. He then built another solid stand, adding 80 runs with New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell, who contributed a quick-fire 37 off 23 deliveries.
At 153/2 in 14.4 overs, Qalandars appeared to be cruising, but the momentum shifted rapidly as they lost both Mitchell and Zaman in the span of three deliveries.
Mitchell was stumped off Abrar Ahmed after stepping down the track, while Zaman, who played a composed knock of 67 off 37 balls, was caught in the deep while attempting to clear the ropes against Usman Tariq.
The collapse continued as Sikandar Raza was dismissed for just 6, leaving Qalandars in trouble.
But Sam Billings had other plans. The Englishman launched a fierce counterattack, hammering a 19-ball half-century that included four sixes and four boundaries. His late onslaught powered Lahore to a formidable total of 219/6.
For Quetta, Abrar Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers with 2 wickets, while Akeal Hosein also chipped in with two scalps.
The Qalandars are still in search of their first victory of the season after suffering a heavy defeat at the hands of Islamabad United in the opening match on Friday, where they were thrashed by 8 wickets.
Meanwhile, the Gladiators will be aiming to extend their winning streak after a dominant 80-run victory over Peshawar Zalmi on Saturday.
Playing XIs
Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel (Captain), Finn Allen, Hasan Nawaz, Kusal Mendis (w), Rilee Rossouw, Shoaib Malik, Faheem Ashraf, Akeal Hosein, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq
Lahore Qalandars: Shaheen Shah Afridi (Captain), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings (w), Sikandar Raza, Jahandad Khan, Rishad Hossain, Haris Rauf, Asif Afrid
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ