LAHORE: The much-anticipated match between Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 was abruptly called off due to persistent rain at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday, May 1. Before the weather intervened, Lahore Qalandars had managed to score 111 runs for the loss of three wickets in 11.3 overs, leaving both teams to settle for one point each in the league standings.
The match began with Quetta Gladiators winning the toss and opting to field first. However, the Qalandars faced an early setback when Khurram Shahzad bowled out their star opener, Fakhar Zaman, for a duck on just the third ball of the innings. This early loss put pressure on the Qalandars, who needed to regroup quickly.
Fortunately, the Qalandars found their footing with a stellar partnership between Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Naeem. The duo put together a remarkable 102-run stand for the second wicket, showcasing their batting prowess. Abdullah Shafique remained unbeaten at 53 runs off 32 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes, while Mohammad Naeem contributed a solid 50 runs from 30 balls, which included three fours and four sixes.
Despite the promising partnership, the match took a turn when mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed struck in his 10th over, dismissing Naeem. He followed up by removing Daryl Mitchell for just three runs in his next over, leaving the Qalandars at 111 for three when the rain began to fall.
As the rain intensified, the match officials had no choice but to abandon the game, resulting in both teams receiving one point each. This outcome left the Qalandars and Gladiators in a tight race for the playoffs, as they currently sit in second and third place on the points table, both with nine points.
Looking ahead, the Qalandars are set to face the Karachi Kings on Sunday, May 4, while the Gladiators will take on the defending champions, Islamabad United, on Saturday, May 3. Both teams will be eager to secure crucial victories as the league stage approaches its conclusion.
The PSL 2025 season, which commenced on April 11, features a total of 34 matches across various venues, including the iconic Gaddafi Stadium, which is set to host 13 matches, including the Eliminators and the grand final. The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host 11 matches, while the National Bank Stadium in Karachi and the Multan Cricket Stadium will each see five matches.
As the excitement builds for the upcoming fixtures, fans are left to ponder what could have been in this match. With the weather playing a significant role in the outcome, the Qalandars and Gladiators will be looking to put this disappointment behind them and focus on their next challenges.
