Lahore Qalandars produced a commanding all-round performance to thrash Islamabad United by 95 runs in the PSL 2025 Qualifier 2 at Gaddafi Stadium. After setting a daunting total of 202/8, Lahore bowlers ripped through United batting lineup, bundling them out for just 107. With this win, the Qalandars booked their place in the final against Quetta Gladiators.
Lahore Qalandars Crush Islamabad United by 95 Runs to Reach PSL 2025 Final
Match Highlights
- Lahore Qalandars: 202/8
- Kusal Perera: 61 (35)
- Mohammad Naeem: 50 (25)
- Tymal Mills: 3/42
- Islamabad United: 107 all out
- Salman: 33 (26)
- Shaheen Afridi: 3/3
- Salman Mirza: 3/16
- Rishad Hossain: 3/34
First Innings: Qalandars Post a Mammoth Total
Naeem’s Explosive Start Sets the Tone
Lahore’s innings was launched in style by Mohammad Naeem, who came to the crease after Fakhar Zaman fell early. Despite facing just one delivery by the end of the second over, Naeem wasted no time. He quickly got going with a trio of elegant drives through cover and mid-off, showcasing his intent.
By the fifth over, he had taken the attack to Naseem Shah, smashing him for three fours and a six. Naeem raced to 34 off just 14 balls by the end of the powerplay and brought up his half-century in 25 deliveries. His aggressive approach gave Lahore a powerful platform. He eventually fell for 50, stumped while attempting to launch Imad Wasim in the ninth over.
Sri Lankan Duo Dominate the Middle Overs
Kusal Perera and Bhanuka Rajapaksa continued the onslaught through the middle phase of the innings. The pair added 48 runs off just 28 deliveries, consistently finding boundaries through the off side. Despite being bottom-hand dominant batters, they punished anything wide and used the extra cover region with precision.
Rajapaksa made a quick 22 off 13 balls before being bowled by Salman Irshad in the 17th over. Perera, however, powered through to the death overs.
Perera Finishes with Flair
Kusal Perera remained the linchpin of the innings, eventually scoring 61 off 35 balls. His innings included two towering sixes in the final over off Naseem Shah – one over fine leg, and another lofted over deep third. These hits not only brought up his fifty but also lifted Lahore past the 200-run mark.
Second Innings: Islamabad United Collapse Under Pressure
Shaheen and Mirza Strike Early
Chasing 203 in a high-stakes match, Islamabad United were under pressure from the start. Shaheen Shah Afridi made an immediate impact, knocking over Muhammad Shahzad’s middle stump with a lethal inswinger in the very first over.
Salman Mirza joined the action two balls later, removing Sahibzada Farhan, who dragged one back onto his stumps. United were reeling at 2/2 and never recovered. By the end of the powerplay, they were reduced to 33/4, with Mirza also dismissing Rassie van der Dussen, caught by a diving Kusal Perera.
Middle Order Offers No Resistance
Captain Imad Wasim was dismissed off the final ball of the powerplay, adding to United’s woes. With the required rate climbing over 12 an over and half the side gone, Islamabad had a mountain to climb.
Salman Offers Brief Hope
Salman was the only United batter who showed some resistance, scoring 33 off 26 balls. He struck a few attractive boundaries, particularly through the off side, but his stay was cut short by Rishad Hossain, who had him caught at long-on in the 10th over. That wicket extinguished any flicker of hope Islamabad had.
Lahore Clean Up the Tail
The Qalandars’ bowlers made short work of the lower order. Shaheen Afridi returned to finish the job, ending with outstanding figures of 3 for 3 in 3.1 overs. Salman Mirza also impressed with 3 for 16, while Bangladesh’s legspinner Rishad Hossain chipped in with 3 for 34. United were dismissed for a paltry 107 in the 16th over.
Looking Ahead: Final vs Quetta Gladiators
Lahore Qalandars’ win marks their third straight victory, a sign of peaking at the perfect moment. Despite finishing fourth in the league stage, they have surged into the PSL 2025 final with momentum and confidence. They now face the Quetta Gladiators table toppers and strong contenders in what promises to be a thrilling title clash.
