Lahore Qalandars ended Islamabad United’s dominant run with a 88-run win, bringing an end to a PSL record ten-match winning streak that had stretched close to 14 months. The Qalandars, who were also the last team to defeat United before this run began, delivered a complete performance with both bat and ball.
Lahore posted 209 for 6 after a collective batting effort in which each of their top six contributed between 22 and 44 runs. Four of those batters struck at over 145, setting up a strong total. The bowlers then followed it up by taking wickets at regular intervals, preventing United from mounting a sustained chase despite one notable partnership.
Strong Batting Platform Sets the Tone
Islamabad United made five changes to their lineup, but Lahore Qalandars started with intent. Mohammad Naeem, who had struggled earlier in the season, signalled improvement with three consecutive boundaries off Ben Dwarshuis. Fakhar Zaman continued the momentum with two sixes against Naseem Shah.
The innings reflected a team-oriented approach, highlighted by Fakhar hitting Jason Holder for a six off the last ball of the powerplay, moments after Naeem had been run out following sharp fielding.
Abdullah Shafique added to the pressure with three boundaries in an over from Hunain Shah, and while Imad Wasim managed to contain the flow briefly, dismissing Fakhar for 44 off 30 and later removing Shafique, the scoring rate remained high.
Middle Order Accelerates
Lahore’s middle and lower order once again proved decisive. Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings, and Sikandar Raza all made impactful contributions. Mitchell took on Holder for 18 runs, while Billings struck three sixes in quick succession as United’s fielding faltered.
Raza capped off the innings with an explosive finish, collecting 21 runs from Dwarshuis in the 19th over and another 16 from Holder in the final over. Lahore scored 96 runs in the last six overs, pushing the total to 209.
Rauf and Raza Lead the Bowling Effort
Chasing 210, Islamabad United showed early resistance through a 69-run partnership between Andries Gous and Salman Agha. The pair kept the required rate within reach for a period, but the breakthrough came when Raza bowled Agha in the 12th over.
Haris Rauf then struck four balls later, dismissing Azam Khan, beginning a decisive collapse. Rauf went on to take four wickets, including the key dismissal of Gous, who made 41 off 27 balls.
With the momentum firmly with Lahore, United’s innings unraveled. Raza added two more wickets, and when Rauf removed Naseem Shah to seal the win, United had lost nine wickets for just 41 runs.
Qalandars Climb to Second
The comprehensive victory lifted Lahore Qalandars to second place in the standings, while Islamabad United, despite the defeat, remain at the top of the table.
