Qalandars Thump Gladiators to Register First Victory in HBL PSL X

Rawalpindi, 13 April 2025:
Lahore Qalandars roared back to form in the HBL PSL X with a sensational all-round performance to dismantle Quetta Gladiators by a massive 79-run margin at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday night. This emphatic win not only handed the defending champions their first points of the tournament but also served as a powerful reminder of the firepower they possess across departments.

Put into bat first, Lahore posted an imposing 219/6, powered by a blazing half-century from veteran opener Fakhar Zaman, who hammered 67 off just 39 deliveries, including 7 boundaries and 3 towering sixes. He was well supported by Abdullah Shafique (37 off 21) and Daryl Mitchell (37 off 23), who added vital momentum through aggressive strokeplay. However, the real carnage came in the death overs, thanks to Sam Billings, who stormed to an unbeaten 50 from just 19 balls, laced with 4 fours and 4 sixes.

This innings marked Lahore’s third-highest team total in PSL history and their 12th instance of crossing the 200-run mark — showcasing their deep and explosive batting lineup.

In response, Quetta Gladiators were never in the chase. They crumbled under early pressure, reduced to 9/3 within the first three overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi was clinical with the new ball, dismissing Saud Shakeel and Finn Allen, while Asif Afridi sent back Hasan Nawaz.

Despite a brief counter-attack from Rilee Rossouw (44 off 19) and Kusal Mendis (28 off 14), the Gladiators never recovered from the early blow. The Qalandars' spin trio — Rishad Hussain (3/31), Sikandar Raza (2/12), and Asif Afridi (2/20) — spun a web around Quetta’s middle and lower order, combining for 7 wickets in 7.2 overs.

Quetta were bowled out for 140 in just 16.2 overs, falling short by a massive 79 runs.

This dominant show was a complete team performance with bat and ball, as Lahore sent a strong message to the rest of the teams in the league.