Lahore Qalandars bundled out for 100 as United seal clinical victory
By Nawaz Gohar ; In a performance that sent shockwaves through the HBL PSL 11 standings, Islamabad United dismantled the defending champions, Lahore Qalandars, with a clinical nine-wicket victory at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi.
Executing a perfect tactical game, Shadab Khan’s side chased down a modest target of 101 in just 10.2 overs. With 58 balls to spare, the win marks the second-largest victory in terms of balls remaining and the fourth-largest overall in the history of the tournament.
Despite an early breakthrough from Shaheen Shah Afridi—who removed Sameer Minhas in the third over—Islamabad never looked troubled. Devon Conway anchored the pursuit with a sublime, unbeaten 59 off 35 deliveries, laced with seven boundaries and three towering sixes.
Conway was ably supported by Mohammad Faiq, who played a blistering cameo of 34 off 19 balls*. The pair’s unbroken 93-run partnership dismantled the Qalandars’ bowling attack, reaching the target in just the 11th over to catapult United to second place in the standings with a formidable net run-rate.
Earlier, the Qalandars’ decision to bat first backfired almost immediately. Imad Wasim (2-13) set the tone by dismissing Mohammad Naeem for a golden duck on the second ball of the match. From there, the innings spiraled into a total derailment.
The reigning champions were strangled by a disciplined spin trio. Player of the Match Chris Green (3-19), Shadab Khan (2-18), and Imad Wasim combined to leave Lahore reeling at 76-6. Only Sikandar Raza (25) and Haseebullah (19) offered any semblance of resistance.
The collapse was completed by Richard Gleeson (2-13) and Faheem Ashraf, as Lahore lost their final six wickets for just 28 runs. Their total of 100 all out stands as the lowest HBL PSL team total ever recorded at the National Bank Stadium.
Scores in Brief
Islamabad United beat Lahore Qalandars by nine wickets.
Lahore Qalandars: 100 all out (18.3 overs)
Sikandar Raza 25, Haseebullah 19
Chris Green 3-19, Richard Gleeson 2-13, Imad Wasim 2-13
Islamabad United: 104-1 (10.2 overs)
Devon Conway 59, Mohammad Faiq 34*
Shaheen Shah Afridi 1-22
Player of the Match: Chris Green (Islamabad United)
