Lahore Qalandars saved their best for the big moments. In a ruthless display at Gaddafi Stadium, they destroyed Islamabad United by 95 runs in the HBL Pakistan Super League Eliminator 2, sealing their place in Sunday’s final against Quetta Gladiators.
The defending champions Islamabad United, once favorites after a strong start to the season, collapsed under pressure, overwhelmed by a clinical Qalandars unit that fired in all departments. After setting a towering target of 203, Lahore’s pacers ripped through United’s batting lineup, bundling them out for just 107 in 15.1 overs.
Skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi was at his lethal best, finishing with sensational figures of 3 for 3, while new-ball partner Salman Mirza picked up 3 for 16. Spinner Rishad Hossain added to the carnage with 3 wickets of his own, as United never looked in the contest.
Qalandars’ dominance began with the bat. Kusal Perera (61 off 36) and Mohammad Naeem (50 off 28) gave their side a flying start, punishing every United bowler that came their way. Naeem in particular lit up the powerplay, smashing Naseem Shah for three boundaries and a six in the fifth over alone. His aggressive 50 helped Lahore post 58-1 in the first six overs.
Perera played a classy innings, full of crisp drives and elegant lofts through the off-side. He brought up his fifty in just 31 balls, with back-to-back sixes off Naseem Shah. Alongside contributions from Rajapaksa (22 off 13) and some late fireworks from Asif Ali and Rishad, the Qalandars powered their way to a commanding 202-6.
In response, United were rocked early by Shaheen and Salman. United’s top four were back in the dugout with only 33 on the board by the end of the powerplay. Mohammad Shahzad and Sahibzada Farhan had their stumps rattled, while Rassie van der Dussen edged one behind and Imad Wasim failed to clear the infield.
Salman Ali Agha and Shadab Khan offered brief resistance, with Shadab smashing three sixes in his 26 off 14, but Rishad Hossain removed both, and United’s hopes faded rapidly. Shaheen returned to clean up the tail, ending the innings in style by dismissing Haider Ali and Tymal Mills in quick succession.
From a shaky campaign to a resounding finish, the Qalandars have peaked at the right time. Their back-to-back playoff wins — against Karachi Kings and now United — show a team hungry to reclaim the title.
The stage is now set for a high-stakes final against Quetta Gladiators. If the Qalandars continue this form, they’ll be tough to stop.
