In pictures: PSL 2018 Lahore playoffs

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In pictures: PSL 2018 Lahore playoffs

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(Web Desk) – With the Pakistan Super League 2018 playoffs having wrapped up in Lahore, Peshawar Zalmi are all set to face Islamabad United in the final that is to be played on Sunday in Karachi.

Through some amazing performances that were witnessed back to back in Lahore on Tuesday and Wednesday, Peshawar Zalmi secured their place in the final by first defeating Quetta Gladiators in the first eliminator that ended in a thrilling one-run victory, followed by another remarkable performance during the second eliminator against Karachi Kings on Wednesday.

In the nail-biting match of the first eliminator held in Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Zalmi scored 157 in 20 overs with Gladiators’ Rahat Ali taking four wickets. Peshawar Zalmi became victorious against Quetta Gladiators by just one run in a playoff that kept the spectators glued to their seats till the very end.

Peshawar Zalmi scored 170 at the cost of 7 wickets on Wednesday and managed to defend their score by limiting Karachi Kings to 157. The match was reduced to 16 overs owing to rain that had initially threatened the match. Helicopters were employed to dry the outfield following which the match started with a delay.

Both days witnessed a full-house as Lahoris thronged to the Gaddafi Stadium to watch the playoffs.

Girls flash a victory sign during the first elimination match of PSL 2018 between Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi at Gaddafi Stadium. Photo: OINN

People hold placards during the first elimination match of PSL 2018 at Gaddafi Stadium. Photo: OINN

Peshawar Zalmi Captain Darren Sammy arriving in the ground holding a young boy during first eliminator of PSL 2018. Photo: OINN

Players of Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators stand in respect as national anthems were played ahead of the first eliminator of the PSL 2018. Photo: OINN

People cheering during first elimination match of PSL 2018 between Quetta and Peshawar at Gaddafi Stadium. Photo: OINN

Quetta Gladiators end the stay of a Peshawar Zalmi batsman during the first elimination match of PSL 2018. Photo: OINN

People hold placards welcoming return of cricket during the first elimination match of PSL 2018 in Lahore. Photo: OINN

Youngsters cheering during the first elimination match of PSL 2018 at Gaddafi Stadium. Photo: OINN

Peshawar Zalmi batsman during first elimination match of PSL 2018. Photo: OINN

A woman wearing traditional Pakhtun dress cheers for Peshawar Zalmi during first eliminator at Gaddafi Stadium. Photo: OINN

Peshawar Zalmi celebrate after defeating Quetta Gladiators in the first elimination match of PSL 2018 at Gaddafi Stadium. Photo: OINN

Heavy machinery being used to remove water from the ground ahead of second eliminator of PSL 2018. Photo: OINN

Ground staff covering the pitch with sheets at Gaddafi Stadium to protect it from getting wet during the rain ahead of second PSL eliminator. Photo: OINN

A view of clouds hovering over the Gaddafi Stadium ahead of second eliminator of PSL 2018. Photo: OINN

An army helicopter drying the ground ahead of second PSL eliminator. Photo: OINN

A helicopter being used to dry the ground ahead of the second eliminator of PSL 2018 in Lahore. Photo: OINN

Ground staff at Gaddafi Stadium heading to clean the ground ahead of second eliminator of PSL 2018. Photo: OINN

Karachi Kings batsman in action during the second eliminator against Peshawar Zalmi. Photo: OINN

Players of Peshawar Zalmi celebrate after defeating Karachi Kings in the second eliminator of PSL 2018 in Lahore on Wednesday. Photo: OINN

People turn on mobile phone flash lights as a signal to commence the second semi-final of PSL 2018 which was delayed due to rain at Gaddafi Stadium. Photo: OINN

People hold placards cheering for Darren Sammy during the second eliminator at Gaddafi on Wednesday. Photo: OINN

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Najam Sethi awards trophy of Man of the Match to Kamran Akmal after Peshawar Zalmi defeated Karachi Kings by 13 runs in the second semi-final of PSL 2018 at Gaddafi Stadium. Photo: OINN