Lahore Qalandars on Sunday secured a dominant victory over Quetta Gladiators in the fourth match of PSL Season 10 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Rishad Hossain’s three-wicket haul and stellar half-centuries from Fakhar Zaman and Sam Billings were the key factors in the win. Lahore posted a formidable total of 220 after an explosive batting performance. Quetta Gladiators struggled in response and were bowled out for 141 in 16.3 overs.
Batting first, the Qalandars set the tone for the match with a remarkable innings. Fakhar Zaman blazed his way to 67 runs off just 39 deliveries, hitting seven fours and three sixes. His aggressive batting was complemented by Sam Billings, who chipped in with a quick-fire 50 runs off only 19 balls. This dynamic duo formed the backbone of Lahore's innings, which ended at an impressive 219/6 in their allotted 20 overs.
Other notable contributions came from Abdullah Shafique and Daryl Mitchell, who both struck 37 runs each, ensuring that the Qalandars built a solid foundation for their innings. The Quetta bowlers struggled to contain the run flow, with Akeal Hosein and Abrar Ahmed being the standout performers, each claiming two wickets to their names.
In response, Quetta Gladiators faced an uphill battle from the outset. They lost their first three wickets for just 9 runs, with Shahid Afridi dismissing both openers, Saud Shakeel and Finn Allen, while Asif Afridi removed Hassan Nawaz. The early collapse left Quetta reeling, and they never truly recovered.
As Quetta sought to stabilize their innings, Kusal Mendis and Rilee Rossouw attempted to mount a recovery. Mendis contributed 28 runs off 14 balls before being dismissed by Haris Rauf, while Rossouw, who had looked dangerous, managed to score 44 runs off 19 balls. However, his dismissal by Rishad Hossain in the ninth over further tilted the match in Lahore's favor.
Making his PSL debut, Rishad Hossain was nothing short of sensational, taking three wickets for just 31 runs. His performance was pivotal in dismantling the Quetta batting lineup. Rishad's tight bowling and ability to strike at crucial moments helped seal the game for Lahore. He returned to claim two quick wickets in his final over, dismissing Mohammad Amir and Abrar Ahmed, further solidifying his impact on the match.
Alongside Rishad, Sikandar Raza, Asif Afridi, and Shahid Afridi each took two wickets, while Haris Rauf contributed with one. Quetta's innings ultimately crumbled under pressure, leading to their all-out for a mere 141 runs in just 16.3 overs.
This victory not only marked Lahore Qalandars' first win of the PSL 2025 season but also showcased their potential as serious contenders in the tournament. With this commanding performance, they have lifted themselves back into the top four, and Rishad Hossain's debut will be remembered as a standout moment in this match.
The match was a testament to Lahore's batting depth and bowling prowess, demonstrating their ability to bounce back after an initial loss in the tournament. As the PSL continues, fans will be eager to see how Lahore builds on this momentum in their upcoming matches.
In conclusion, Lahore Qalandars' comprehensive 79-run victory over Quetta Gladiators has set the stage for an exciting season ahead. With players like Rishad Hossain shining brightly on their debut, the Qalandars are poised to make a significant impact in the tournament.
