PSL 2025: Qalandars snap United’s 10-match winning streak as Rauf and Raza star with ball after explosive team batting display
Match Summary:
- Lahore Qalandars: 209/6 (Fakhar Zaman 44, Sikandar Raza 39, Sam Billings 38* | Imad Wasim 2-26)
- Islamabad United: 121 all out (Andries Gous 41 | Haris Rauf 4-31, Sikandar Raza 3-20)
- Result: Qalandars won by 88 runs
Lahore Qalandars made a statement in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 by dismantling Islamabad United and ending their historic 10-match winning streak—the longest in PSL history—with a commanding 88-run win. This emphatic performance not only snapped United’s 14-month unbeaten run but also propelled Qalandars to second place on the PSL points table.
Qalandars Post 209 After All-Round Top-Order Blitz
Lahore’s innings was a model of collective T20 excellence. Each of the top six batters contributed, scoring between 22 and 44, with four players striking at over 145. Fakhar Zaman’s 44 off 30 led the charge, supported by quickfire cameos from Abdullah Shafique, Daryl Mitchell, and Sam Billings.
Sikandar Raza turned the game decisively in Qalandars’ favour with a brutal late onslaught, smashing 21 runs in the 19th over and another 16 in the 20th, lifting Lahore to an imposing 209/6. Imad Wasim was the only United bowler to offer resistance, picking up two crucial wickets.
Islamabad United Collapse in Chase Despite Gous Resistance
In response, Islamabad United faltered early and never recovered. A 69-run stand between Andries Gous (41) and Salman Agha offered brief hope, but once Raza clean-bowled Agha and Haris Rauf dismissed Azam Khan shortly after, the innings unraveled.
Haris Rauf’s pace proved too much for United’s middle and lower order, finishing with 4/31. Sikandar Raza chipped in with 3/20, as United lost their last nine wickets for just 41 runs, crashing to 121 all out.
Qalandars Rise, United Stay Top
This resounding victory not only ended Islamabad’s unbeaten run but also reinforced Lahore’s credentials as serious contenders for the PSL 2025 title. With their bowling attack firing and the batting lineup delivering in unison, the Qalandars look poised for a strong playoff push.