Summary Opting to bat first, Lahore posted 197/6 in their 20 overs, thanks mainly to Fakhar’s brilliance and a useful knock from Charith Asalanka.
KARACHI (Dunya News) – A hundred from Fakhar Zaman lifted defending champions Lahore Qalandars to an imposing total against Quetta Gladiators at Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.
Opting to bat first, Lahore posted 197/6 in their 20 overs, thanks mainly to Fakhar’s brilliance and a useful knock from Charith Asalanka.
The innings didn’t start smoothly, as Khalil Ahmed struck early to dismiss Mohammad Farooq for just four, giving Quetta an early advantage. Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique then rebuilt the innings with a steady stand, with Fakhar taking control and pushing the score forward.
Their 57-run partnership ended when Abrar Ahmed removed Shafique for 14, leaving Lahore at 64/2. Fakhar, however, kept the momentum going, reaching his half-century with attacking strokes and forming another key partnership with Asalanka as the total crossed 100.
The left-hander continued his dominance, eventually bringing up his third PSL century with impressive shot-making and guiding Lahore beyond 150. Asalanka contributed 31 off 24 balls before falling to Brett Hampton, ending a valuable 96-run stand.
Fakhar’s outstanding innings of 103 off 51 balls — featuring 11 fours and six sixes — came to an end soon after, when Usman Tariq dismissed him at 164/4.
Khalil Ahmed struck again to remove Sikandar Raza for five, while late wickets slowed Lahore slightly. Captain Shaheen Afridi was run out for eight by Alzarri Joseph, but Daniel Sams added quick runs at the end, remaining unbeaten on 18 off 12 balls.
Lahore eventually closed their innings at 197/6, setting up a strong total.
Playing XIs
Lahore Qalandars: Mohammad Farooq, Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Charith Asalanka, Haseeb Ullah (wk), Sikandar Raza, Daniel Sams, Shaheen Afridi, Usama Mir, Ubaid Shah, Haris Rauf.
Quetta Gladiators: Shamyl Hussain, Saud Shakeel (c), Rilee Rossouw, Hassan Nawaz, Brett Hampton, Bevon Jacobs, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Khalil Ahmed, Alzarri Joseph, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq.
