PSL 10: Lahore Qalandars end Islamabad United’s unbeaten run with commanding victory

Lahore Qalandars ended Islamabad United’s unbeaten run in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 with a commanding 88-run win at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.

All-rounder Sikandar Raza was the star of the match, playing a key role with both bat and ball. He scored a quick 39 off just 17 balls and later took three wickets, helping Qalandars secure their fourth win of the season.

Batting first, Lahore posted a strong total of 209 for 6 in their 20 overs. Openers Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Naeem gave their team a solid start, putting up 50 runs for the first wicket. Naeem made 25 off 22 balls before being run out, while Fakhar contributed 44 from 30 deliveries, including five fours and two sixes.

Abdullah Shafique added 22 runs before falling to Imad Wasim, who took two key wickets. Daryl Mitchell then scored a brisk 28 off 18 balls to keep the momentum going.

The real damage, however, came from the explosive partnership between wicketkeeper Sam Billings and Sikandar Raza. They added 64 runs in the final overs, pushing Lahore past the 200-mark. Billings remained not out on 38 from just 17 balls, hitting four sixes.

In reply, Islamabad United struggled from the beginning. Shaheen Shah Afridi removed the in-form Sahibzada Farhan early, and although Agha Salman (36) and Andries Gous (41) tried to steady the innings with a 69-run partnership, Sikandar Raza struck again to break the stand.

From there, United collapsed, losing eight wickets under 50 runs. Haris Rauf was deadly with the ball, finishing with figures of 4 for 31. Raza claimed three wickets, while Curran, Asif Afridi, and Shaheen took one each.

Islamabad were bowled out for 121 in just 16.5 overs, handing them their first defeat of the tournament.

With this win, Lahore Qalandars climb to second place on the points table and gain momentum for the rest of the season.