PSL 2025: Lahore Qalandars Power Past Islamabad United by 95 Runs in Eliminator
On May 23, 2025, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 witnessed a thrilling Eliminator match at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, where Lahore Qalandars put on a dominant display against Islamabad United. The Qalandars secured a massive 95-run victory, booking their place in the PSL final. Here’s a detailed recap of the match, highlighting key performances, stats, and what this win means for the Qalandars.
Match Summary
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Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
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Date: May 23, 2025
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Lahore Qalandars: 202/8 (20 overs)
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Islamabad United: 107 all out (15.1 overs)
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Result: Lahore Qalandars won by 95 runs
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Player of the Match: Salman Mirza (Lahore Qalandars)
Lahore Qalandars Batting Highlights
Opting to bat first, Lahore Qalandars aimed to set a strong target. Their innings was marked by aggressive stroke play and excellent partnerships:
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Kusal Perera played a vital role with 61 runs off just 35 balls, smashing boundaries and sixes to keep the momentum going.
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Mohammad Naeem provided a blazing start with 50 runs off 24 balls, helping Qalandars get off to a solid foundation.
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Salman Mirza remained unbeaten with 5 runs but contributed significantly with the ball later in the match.
The Qalandars posted a formidable total of 202 runs, putting immense pressure on Islamabad United batting lineup.
Islamabad United Batting Performance
Chasing a challenging target, Islamabad United failed to build partnerships and were bowled out for 107 runs in just 15.1 overs. The key batting contributions were:
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Salman Ali Agha top-scored with 33 runs off 26 balls, showing some resistance.
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Shadab Khan added 26 runs off 14 balls in a quick cameo.
Despite these efforts, Islamabad’s batting collapsed against the disciplined Qalandars’ bowling attack.
Bowling Masterclass by Lahore Qalandars
The Lahore Qalandars’ bowling was the defining factor in this match:
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Shaheen Shah Afridi bowled with precision and pace, taking 2 wickets for just 3 runs in 3.1 overs, completely stifling the Islamabad batsmen.
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Salman Mirza earned the Player of the Match award by taking 3 crucial wickets for 16 runs in 3 overs, breaking key partnerships and ensuring Islamabad’s innings never took off.
This bowling effort was instrumental in securing the emphatic win.
What This Victory Means
This win not only ends Islamabad United journey in PSL 10 but also boosts Lahore Qalandars’ morale ahead of the final. They will face Quetta Gladiators on May 25, 2025, at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The Qalandars have displayed a balanced and strong team performance throughout the tournament, and this victory highlights their potential to lift their first-ever PSL trophy.
Final Thoughts
Lahore Qalandars' all-round performance on May 23, 2025, was a testament to their skill, teamwork, and strategy. With powerful batting, disciplined bowling, and sharp fielding, they convincingly outplayed Islamabad United. PSL fans can now look forward to an exciting final showdown between Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators, promising high-octane cricket action.
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