LAHORE: Lahore Qalandars have secured a place in the Pakistan Super League (PSL X) final after defeating defending champion Islamabad United by 95 runs on Thursday at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Earlier, the host set a 203-run target for United to win Eliminator 2, which the latter failed to chase and went all-out at 107 in 15.1 overs.
Middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha remained top-scorer for the three-time champions with a 26-ball 33, followed by skipper Shadab Khan, who made 26 off 14 deliveries, while the rest of their batters failed to amass double figures.
Earlier, Mohammad Naeem and Kusal Perera helped Qlanadars manage to reach a commendable total.
At the outset of the inning, the hosts lost experienced opener Fakhar Zaman (12) in the second over with just 13 runs on the board. Following the early blow, Naeem put together a crucial 70-run partnership with Abdullah Shafique.
Shafique also went back to the pavilion after scoring 25 off 24, courtesy of a sensational catch by Islamabad United skipper Shadab Khan off James Neesham.
Later in the inning, Kusal Perera took charge and managed to take Lahore Qalandars to a commanding total, scoring 61 off 35 balls, the highest for Qalandars in today’s inning.
The left-handed batter was also involved in crucial partnerships with compatriot Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Asif Ali, who made notable contributions, scoring 22 and 15, respectively.
Earlier, Lahore Qalandars won the toss and elected to bat first against Islamabad United. Both teams, with multiple PSL titles, are all fired up to secure a place in the final against Quetta Gladiators.
