Lahore Qalandars maintain perfect GSL start with clinical win over Desert Vipers
Lahore Qalandars maintain perfect GSL start with clinical win over Desert Vipers
GUYANA: Lahore Qalandars continued their impressive start to the Global Super League (GSL) 2026, securing a convincing 38-run victory over Desert Vipers in their second match at the Providence Stadium on Friday.
Leg-spinner Usama Mir produced a match-winning spell of four wickets after an unbeaten partnership between Parvez Hossain Emon and captain Michael Bracewell laid the foundation for another memorable triumph.
Asked to bat first, Lahore Qalandars recovered brilliantly from early setbacks to post a competitive 176-4 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was transformed by an unbroken 83-run stand between Bangladesh opener Parvez Hossain Emon and New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell, who combined power with composure to steer their side to a formidable total.
Qalandars made a promising start through Shayan Jahangir and Shamyl Hussain, who added 37 runs for the opening wicket before the Vipers struck back with quick breakthroughs. Jahangir scored 28 off 30 balls, while Abdullah Shafique and Shamyl Hussain departed cheaply, reducing Lahore to 49-3 inside eight overs.
Youngster Farhan Yousaf briefly steadied the innings with a valuable 22, sharing a 44-run partnership with Emon before becoming the fourth wicket to fall at 93-4 in the 14th over.
From there, Emon and Bracewell took complete control. Emon anchored the innings with a composed 47 not out off 33 balls, striking three fours and three sixes, while Bracewell unleashed an explosive unbeaten 46 from just 23 deliveries, featuring four boundaries and three towering sixes to propel the Qalandars to an imposing total. Khary Pierre was the pick of the Desert Vipers bowlers with two wickets.
Chasing 177, Desert Vipers started confidently as Kyle Mayers and Andries Gous stitched together a fluent 70-run opening partnership, raising hopes of a successful chase. Mayers struck 30 from 28 deliveries before his dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse.
Usama Mir then took centre stage, dismantling the middle order with a superb spell of 4 for 28, turning the match decisively in Lahore’s favour. Despite Gous fighting valiantly with an aggressive 56 off 38 balls, including seven fours and two sixes, the Vipers failed to build meaningful partnerships as wickets tumbled at regular intervals.
The disciplined Lahore bowling attack kept the pressure on throughout, restricting Desert Vipers to 138-9 in their 20 overs and sealing a comfortable victory.
With back-to-back wins, Lahore Qalandars have emerged as one of the early favourites in the tournament. Their balanced combination of explosive batting, experienced leadership and potent bowling attack has given them valuable momentum as they continue their quest for the Global Super League 2026 title.
