Lahore: Lahore Qalandars stunned the home crowd with a dominant 95-run victory over Islamabad United at the Gaddafi Stadium, securing their place in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 final.
Despite entering the playoffs as the fourth-ranked team, Qalandars continued their dream run, delivering a powerful all-around performance to dismantle United, who had finished second in the league stage.
The match occurred on a track that offered decent batting support but had enough pace and bounce to assist quick bowlers. Batting first, Qalandars posted a massive total of 202 for 8, powered by a blistering 61 off 35 balls from Kusal Perera and a fiery 50 off 25 from Mohammad Naeem.
Their aggressive intent was visible throughout the innings, with consistent boundary-hitting in every phase. Perera and Bhanuka Rajapaksa added quick runs in the middle overs, punishing United’s bowlers through the offside. Rajapaksa chipped in with 22 off 13 before falling in the 17th over, while Perera finished strong with back-to-back sixes off Naseem Shah.
Naeem’s contribution at the top was vital. After Fakhar Zaman fell early, Naeem took charge, hitting classic drives and punishing anything full. He smashed three fours and a six in a single over from Naseem and maintained the pressure until he was stumped in the ninth over.
Islamabad United, chasing 203 in a knockout game, never got off the ground. They lost two wickets before hitting a boundary. Shaheen Shah Afridi began with a lethal inswinger to remove Muhammad Shahzad, while Salman Mirza cleaned up Sahibzada Farhan shortly after.
United stumbled to 33 for 4 by the end of the powerplay. Only Salman showed some resistance with 33 off 26 balls, but his dismissal by Rishad Hossain sealed their fate. The rest of the batting order folded meekly, with Afridi returning to end the innings with remarkable figures of 3 for 3 in just over three overs.
According to match data and performance reports from PSL officials, this was Qalandars’ second big win in two nights. Their bowling attack, especially Afridi and Mirza, was clinical. With this win, they move into the final against table-toppers Quetta Gladiators, carrying strong momentum and renewed belief.
On the other hand, Islamabad United crashed out after a dismal playoff run despite a solid league performance.
