By Alam Zeb Safi
KARACHI: A masterclass in restrictive spin bowling from Usman Tariq and Abrar Ahmed saw the Quetta Gladiators seize control of their Pakistan Super League (PSL) clash on Friday, dismissing the Lahore Qalandars for a meager 134 at the National Stadium.
Despite winning the toss and electing to bat, Lahore’s powerhouse lineup failed to fire, crumbling under the pressure of a disciplined Quetta attack that left them bowled out with a ball to spare in their 20 overs.
The Qalandars’ innings never gained momentum after an early double-strike from West Indian quick Alzarri Joseph and Jahandad Khan accounted for dangerous openers Fakhar Zaman (20) and Mohammad Naeem (4). By the time the powerplay concluded, Lahore were reeling at 42-3.
The introduction of spin turned a stutter into a collapse. Usman Tariq was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 3-18. His variations completely bamboozled the Lahore middle order, including the prized wicket of Abdullah Shafique (17) and the experienced Sikandar Raza (15).
At 60-6 in the 11th over, Lahore looked in danger of failing to cross the triple-digit mark. However, a gritty 33 from wicket-keeper batsman Haseebullah Khan provided some stability, though his strike rate of 89.18 reflected the difficulty of scoring on a surface where the ball appeared to grip and turn.
Abrar Ahmed was particularly economical, conceding just 14 runs from his four overs to keep the run rate in a chokehold.
A late, frantic cameo from Usama Mir, who smashed 22 off just seven balls, including three sixes offered the Qalandars a glimmer of hope, pushing the total toward respectability. However, Jahandad Khan (3-35) returned to clean up the tail, removing Mir and Haris Rauf in consecutive deliveries to end the innings at 134.
With a required run rate of just 6.75, Gladiators head into the second innings as heavy favorites, though they must navigate a Lahore bowling attack led by Afridi and Rauf that is renowned for defending low totals.
