By Alam Zeb Safi
LAHORE: A masterclass century from opener Fakhar Zaman powered Lahore Qalandars to a thrilling nine-run victory over Quetta Gladiators in their vital match of the HBL PSL 11 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.
Fakhar’s explosive 103 off just 51 deliveries anchored Qalandars’ innings, allowing them to post a formidable 197-6 after electing to bat first. Despite a spirited chase led by Rilee Rossouw and Shamyl Hussain, Gladiators were restricted to 188-7 as Lahore’s bowling attack held their nerve in the closing stages.
Qalandars faced an early setback when Mohammad Farooq fell for four, but Fakhar quickly seized control. He dismantled Quetta attack, smashing 11 boundaries and six towering sixes. His dominance was most evident in a 96-run third-wicket partnership with Charith Asalanka (31), which shifted the momentum firmly in Lahore’s favor.
Quetta’s bowlers struggled to find answers until Usman Tariq finally dismissed Fakhar in the 17th over. This was the third century from Fakhar in his PSL career. Khalil Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers for Gladiators, claiming 2-38, while Alzarri Joseph provided some control with an economical spell of 0-23.
Gladiators’ response began aggressively through Shamyl Hussain, who struck a rapid 53 off 31 balls. Following his departure via a run-out, Rilee Rossouw kept the chase alive with a blistering 62 off 29 balls, including five sixes.
However, Qalandars’ pace duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf applied the brakes during the death overs. Rauf was clinical, taking 2-28 and dismissing Brett Hampton just as the game reached its climax. A late, unbeaten cameo from Abrar Ahmed (24 off 14) brought Gladiators close, but the 198-run target proved just out of reach.
The win took Qalandars to the fourth spot with eight points from eight matches while the loss left Gladiators struggling at six points from nine appearances.
Match Summary
Lahore Qalandars: 197-6 (20 overs): Fakhar Zaman: 103 (51), Charith Asalanka 31 (24), Daniel Sams 18* (12), Khalil Ahmed 2-38, Usman Tariq 1-31
Quetta Gladiators: 188-7 (20 overs): Rilee Rossouw: 62 (29), Shamyl Hussain: 53 (31), Abrar Ahmed: 24* (14),
Bowling (Lahore): Haris Rauf 2-28, Sikandar Raza 1-23,
Result: Lahore Qalandars won by nine runs.
Fakhar Zaman (Player of the match)
