Karachi: With an impressive all-round performance not only did Lahore Qalandars defeat Quetta Gladiators by 63 runs but have also changed the scenario on the points table of HBL PSL 8. After losing to Karachi Kings on Sunday night, Qalandars have made a strong comeback.
On Tuesday, Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators met at the National Bank Cricket Arena. Batting first, Lahore Qalandars had an excellent start as openers Mirza Tahir Baig (31 off 15) and Fakhar Zaman (22 off 14) off 27 balls posted a 49-runs partnership. Similarly, Kamran Ghulam (21 off 17) and Shai Hope (47 off 32) made a sparkling partnership of 56 in 37 balls. Sikandar Raza (32 not out off 16) and Hussain Talat (26 off 13) made ensured that Lahore Qalandars secure their highest score of the HBL Pakistan Super League 8.
Mohammad Hasnain, who bowled splendidly against Peshawar Zalmi with figures 12/3, ended for 32/1 against Lahore Qalandars. Qais Ahmed and Odean Smith took two wickets each.
In reply, Quetta Gladiators kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Quetta were 68/3 at the 9.1 overs mark. As pressure mounted, Gladiators lost momentum further and slipped to 101/6 from 93/3. Shaheen Afridi remained the top performer from Lahore with the ball and finished with 22/3. David Wiese also shined with the ball as he took wickets of Guptill, Mohammad Hafeez, and Iftikhar Ahmedand, finishing with 23/3. Rashid Khan bowled an economical spell of 17/1 in his four overs quota. At the end, it was an easy victory for Lahore Qalandars.
Points Table:
Qalandars jumped to the number two spot after the victory. Multan Sultans are at the top of the table with three victories and six points. Peshawar Zalmi slipped to a third position where as Karachi Kings is hanging on the fourth rank. Quetta Gladiators slumped to the last position. Quetta and Karachi have played an equal number of matches and have the same number of points. However, Karachi has a better run rate.
Scores in brief:
1st Innings:
Lahore: 198-6 in 20 overs
Shai Hope 47
Sikandar Raza 32*
Mirza Tahir Baig 31
Bowling Card:
Qais Ahmed 2-36
Odean Smith 2-41
2nd Innings:
Quetta: 135-8 in 20 overs
Jason Roy 48
Mohammad Hafeez 25
Bowling Card:
Shaheen Afridi 3-22
David Wiese 3-23