PSL 9: Can Lahore Qalandars still qualify for playoffs?

Lahore Qalandars are teetering on the brink of elimination in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine.

Shaheen-led Qalandars has endured a string of defeats in their campaign thus far. With six losses in as many matches, the two-time champions find themselves languishing at the bottom of the points table, desperately seeking a turnaround in fortunes to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Qalandars next challenge comes in the form of a crucial match against Babar Azam's Peshawar Zalmi. This match will be extremely important for them, as they must secure win to maintain any semblance of hope for playoff qualification. In order to stay in contention, Qalandars need to win all four of their remaining matches, securing a total of eight points. However, their path to the playoffs is fraught with obstacles, as they also rely on favorable outcomes in other fixtures to strengthen their chances.

As per history, ten points have been the benchmark for securing a spot in the final four of the tournament. This target now appears out of reach for Qalandars, who find themselves in a complicated position as they seek to emulate the feat achieved by Islamabad United in the 2022, where they took a playoff berth with just eight points.

Despite the daunting task ahead, Qalandars remain determined about their prospects. However, time is of the essence for Qalandars, as they face the imminent threat of elimination if they fail to secure win in their upcoming match against Zalmi. The outcome of this match could very well dictate their fate in the tournament.