- May 24, 2025
IU vs LQ (Qualifier 2) – Highlights
Lahore, May 23, 2025 — Lahore Qalandars stormed into the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 final with a commanding 95-run win over Islamabad United in Qualifier 2 at the Gaddafi Stadium. A clinical all-around performance, headlined by Salman Mirza’s fiery 3-wicket haul and Kusal Perera’s explosive half-century, saw Lahore outclass Islamabad and book their place in the grand finale.
Batting first, Lahore Qalandars set a daunting total of 202/8 in their allotted 20 overs, powered by aggressive contributions from their top and middle order. Young opener Mohammad Naeem was the tone-setter, smashing 50 off 25 balls with seven boundaries and two sixes. He combined flair with intent, unsettling Islamabad’s pacers early in the innings.
Kusal Perera followed up with a scintillating 61 off 35 balls, anchoring the middle overs while maintaining a brisk scoring rate. The Sri Lankan southpaw unleashed a flurry of elegant boundaries, expertly dissecting the field and keeping the scoreboard ticking. His 61-run knock, decorated with seven fours and two sixes, proved to be the spine of Lahore’s innings.
Brief but impactful cameos from Bhanuka Rajapaksa (22 off 13) and Asif Ali (15 off 7) bolstered the total, while Islamabad’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs. Despite a late fightback from Tymal Mills, who bagged 3 for 42, including the key scalps of Perera and Zaman, and Salman Irshad’s 2 for 40, Lahore ended on a high with 202 on the board.
In reply, Islamabad United capitulated under pressure, folding for a paltry 107 in just 15.1 overs. The chase never gained momentum, derailed early by Salman Mirza, who struck in the powerplay to dismiss Sahibzada Farhan, Rassie van der Dussen, and the dangerous Imad Wasim. Mirza returned stunning figures of 3 for 16 in a spell that ripped the heart out of Islamabad’s top order.
Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi turned in a fiery performance as well, conceding just three runs in his 3.1 overs while claiming three wickets, including a double strike that dismissed Mills and Haider Ali in quick succession. His opening spell, brimming with pace and aggression, set the tone for Lahore’s dominance with the ball.
Rishad Hossain, the young Bangladeshi all-rounder, also impressed, returning figures of 3 for 34 and removing key middle-order batters Shadab Khan, Salman Agha, and James Neesham. His clever variations and control ensured Islamabad’s lower order could not mount any resistance.
Despite Shadab Khan’s brief counterattack — 26 off 14 balls with three towering sixes — Islamabad’s batting imploded in the face of relentless bowling pressure. The fall of wickets at regular intervals meant they never recovered, ultimately crumbling for 107.
Salman Mirza was deservedly named Player of the Match for his match-winning spell, which paved the way for Lahore Qalandars’ emphatic victory. With this win, Lahore now advances to the PSL 2025 final, eyeing another title and carrying momentum built on ruthless execution in all departments.
Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars Scoreboard
Lahore Qalandars – 202/8 (20.0)
Islamabad United – 107/10 (15.1)
Result – Lahore Qalandars won by 95 runs
Player of the match – Salman Mirza
Salman Mirza
IU vs LQ Playing XIs
Islamabad United | Shadab Khan (c), Sahibzada Farhan, Muhammad Shahzad, Rassie van der Dussen, Salman Agha, Imad Wasim, James Neesham, Haider Ali, Naseem Shah, Tymal Mills, Salman Irshad |
Lahore Qalandars | Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Kusal Perera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Asif Ali, Shakib Al Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Haris Rauf, Salman Mirza |
Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.
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