Rawalpindi – With a stunning 79-run triumph over the Quetta Gladiators at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, the Lahore Qalandars at the Pakistan Super League (PSL) halted their run of losses at last. Powered by strong performances and support from sponsors like Baji, the Qalandars’ bowlers destroyed Quetta's batting order while defending a huge 220-run target, limiting them to just 140 runs in a one-sided match.

Chase Collapses Under Pressure in Quetta

Pursuing a difficult 220, the Gladiators started badly. Early in the first over, Qalandars' skipper Shaheen Afridi removed Saud Shakeel (1). As Asif Afridi dismissed Hassan Nawaz (1), the pressure built; Shaheen returned to send Finn Allen back for a golden duck, leaving Quetta reeling at 9-3 in just 3.2 overs.

Rilee Rossouw and Kusal Mendis, who compiled a 45-run partnership, offered a brief fightback. With a quickfire 28 off 14 balls, Mendis looked dangerous; Haris Rauf broke the stand and dismissed him in the sixth over. Before succumbing to Rishad Hossain, who picked up his first PSL wicket, Rossouw kept his aggressive approach, hitting 44 off 19 balls, including 4 fours and 4 sixes.

Seal the Deal with Qalandars' Bowlers

With two strikes in an over, Sikandar Raza removed Shoaib Malik (14) and Akeal Hosein, therefore undermining the middle order of the Gladiators. Taking two more wickets—Mohammad Amir and Abrar Ahmed—Rishad Hossain carried on his remarkable run, ending with three wickets. Cleaning the tail as Asif Afridi finished the batting guaranteed Lahore a huge 79-run victory.

Shines of Batting Firepower from Lahore

Earlier, after being sent into bat, Lahore suffered an early blow when Abrar Ahmed bowled Mohammad Naeem (10). Still, Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique balanced the innings with a 56-run tandem. Shafique knocked 37 runs quickly before succumbing to Akeal Hosein.

With a stunning 67 off 39 balls, featuring 6 fours and 3 sixes, Fakhar, in great control, anchored the innings. Daryl Mitchell helped him greatly; he put an undefeated 37 in an 80-run stand.

The Blushing Finish of Sam Billings

Sam Billings stepped forward with a spectacular 19-ball 50*, hitting five fours and three sixes to drive Lahore past the 200-run barrier after Fakhar was out. Though Billings lost Sikandar Raza and Shaheen Afridi cheaply, his explosive hitting guaranteed the Qalandars a strong 220-run total.

Faheem Ashraf and Usman Tariq claimed one apiece; Abrar Ahmed and Akeal Hosein picked up two apiece for Quetta.

Important lessons learned from the Match

Leading from the front and collecting vital early wickets to destroy Quetta's top order, Shaheen Afridi guided the Qalandars.

• The left-handed opener maintained his excellent form and recorded another half-century.

• The stunning cameo by Sam Billings guaranteed Lahore had a match-winning score.

• With three important wickets, the youthful spinner gave a breakthrough performance.

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What lies next for both teams?

While Quetta Gladiators will have to reorganize for their next game rapidly, Lahore Qalandars have at last opened their account in PSL 10. While the Gladiators have to address their batting weakness in high-stress chases, the Qalandars will seek to gather momentum.

Summary Final Scorecard

Lahore Qalandars: 220 / 5 (20 overs)

Fakhar Zaman: 39 (67)

Sam Billings: 50 (19)* Daryl Mitchell: 37 (26). 

Quetta Gladiators 140 all out (16.5 overs)

Rilee Rossouw: 44, 19

Kuntu Mendis: 28 (14)

Rishal Hossain: 3/22

Shaheen Afridi: 02/18

The strong performance of the Lahore Qalandars has revived their campaign and helped to explain why they are still among the most threatening sides in the PSL. As the event advances, fans should expect more fireworks!